Supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara vandalized former Governor Nyesom Wike's statue in Obio/Akpor, escalating tensions in Rivers State. This follows Fubara's directive for local government leaders to assume control after the expiration of elected officials' terms, defying a court ruling and causing unrest across the state's council areas.
In Rivers State, supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have sparked controversy by vandalizing the statue of former Governor Nyesom Wike in Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Wike’s hometown. This action follows Fubara’s directive for Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the 23 council areas after the tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors expired.
The conflict originates from a court ruling recognizing a three-member House of Assembly, which invalidated a tenure extension approved by the 27-member Assembly aligned with Wike. Despite the legal ruling, certain chairmen insisted on remaining in office for an additional six months.
In Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, the former Executive Chairman, defied Fubara’s orders and forcibly entered the council secretariat. Nwanosike, a staunch ally of Wike, accused Fubara of promoting insecurity in the state, alleging that the governor had armed youths who attacked local government officials and police across the 23 council areas.
Similar incidents have occurred across Rivers State, with youths besieging various Local Government Secretariats, highlighting escalating tensions and power struggles within the state's political landscape. The situation remains volatile as stakeholders await further developments amid calls for calm and resolution.
