Fubara instructs new caretaker chairmen in Rivers to work remotely to avoid clashes at council secretariats amid a power struggle with predecessor Wike.
The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has instructed the newly sworn-in caretaker committee chairmen to operate from anywhere if attempts to gain access to council secretariats would breach the peace. This directive comes amidst heightened tensions between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over the control of local government councils.
Fubara warned the caretaker chairmen against confronting security personnel who have taken over the council secretariats, emphasizing his desire to avoid violence. "I don't want any confrontation. It is not in my nature. It is not my style," he stated during the swearing-in ceremony.
The governor's remarks underscore the volatile situation in Rivers State, where supporters of the two political factions have clashed, resulting in three deaths, including a policeman and a member of a local security outfit. The state police command had previously announced its takeover of all local government headquarters to prevent further bloodshed and maintain law and order.
The crisis stems from the expiration of the three-year tenure of the 23 local government chairmen loyal to Wike. While the former chairmen cited a controversial law to extend their tenure, Fubara has appointed new caretaker chairmen, exacerbating the power struggle.
One of the newly sworn-in caretaker chairmen, Darlington Orji, reported being denied access to the Ikwerre Local Government Area headquarters by security agents acting on orders from the Inspector General of Police. The situation highlights the complexity of the crisis and the challenges faced by the new caretaker chairmen in assuming their roles.
As the state remains on edge, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the governor's inability to control the situation and the threat of anarchy.
