September 28, 2024

Tension is palpable across the 23 local government areas in Rivers State as the tenure of the council chairmen ends today, June 17, 2024, at midnight. This unrest is fueled by the chairmen’s decision to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law No. 2 of 2024, enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27-member House of Assembly, which extends their tenure by six months.

Key Developments:

  1. ALGON Stance: The State ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, insists that the law empowers them to stay in office.
  2. Governor’s Position: Governor Siminalayi Fubara has warned the LG chairmen to avoid actions that could disrupt state peace, emphasizing that their tenure is ending soon.
  3. Legislative Actions: Former Speaker Amaewhule has cautioned against appointing caretaker committee members, stating the lawmakers’ refusal to accept such appointments.
  4. Youth Protests:
    • In Degema, youths occupied the council secretariat, blocking entrances and declaring they won’t allow the LG chairman to stay beyond his tenure.
    • In Asari-Toru LGA, youths stormed the council headquarters, demonstrating their resolve by gathering in large numbers and chanting in solidarity.
  5. Security Measures:
    • In Port Harcourt City LGA and Obio/Akpor LGA, a significant security presence, including over six police patrol vans, was noted to prevent disturbances.
  6. Warnings from Outgoing Chairmen:
    • Eleme LGA Chairman, Obarilomate Ollor, has threatened to resist any forceful attempts to remove him from office, stressing the official nature of the council premises.

The situation in Rivers State remains tense as the expiration of the LG chairmen’s tenure approaches, with youth protests and legislative disagreements adding to the uncertainty.

6 thoughts on “Tension in Rivers as Local Government Chairmen’s Tenure Expires

  1. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  2. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *