Political tensions flare in Rivers State as residents protest at LGA offices over tenure disputes. Police fire shots to disperse crowds amid clashes over former chairpersons' attempts to return. The governor's directive and legal challenges add to the volatile situation ahead of court rulings on local government amendments.
Amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, Nigeria, protests erupted on Tuesday as residents gathered at various Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats across the state. The demonstrations, including at the Port Harcourt council secretariat, aimed to oppose the reported attempts by former LGA chairpersons to return to office following the expiration of their three-year tenures.
Reports indicated that police officers responded to the protests by firing multiple shots into the air to disperse the crowds. The unrest underscores deep-seated grievances over governance and electoral processes in the region.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressed the situation in a statewide broadcast, instructing local government administration heads to assume control of the 23 council areas immediately. This directive follows the expiration of the tenure of elected chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councilors on Monday.
Despite the governor's directive, former Port Harcourt City LGA Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, reportedly attempted to reclaim his position on Monday but was repelled by protesting youths.
The crisis dates back to April when the Rivers State Assembly passed a local government amendment bill allowing for the extension of elected officials' tenures if elections couldn't be held before their term ended. Governor Fubara initially withheld assent, prompting the Assembly to override his decision. However, a subsequent court ruling nullified the amendment, pending an appeal court decision expected on June 20.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as all 27 members of the House of Assembly vow to resist any move by Governor Fubara to install caretaker chairpersons in the LGAs, setting the stage for potential further unrest pending the court's ruling.
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