Rivers Crisis: Former Council Chairmen Disregard Police Ban, Hold Protests
Former council chairmen from 21 out of 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State on Monday staged a protest in a show of solidarity with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Protesters gathered at various council headquarters, including Buguma, where former Chairman Onengiyeofori George led a march through the streets.
Holding placards with slogans like “Sim Fubara Must Be Held Accountable” and “Asari-Toru Council Is Not a Personal Fiefdom”, the demonstrators urged the police to maintain a presence at the council headquarters, demanding an end to perceived authoritarian actions by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The former council chairmen loyal to the former governor defiantly took to the streets in their various local councils, staging demonstrations to show their support for their leader and challenging the authorities’ attempt to silence them.
This comes despite a ban on protests by the Rivers State Police Command.
The crisis, which has claimed three lives, began last Tuesday when the police took control of all 23 local government secretariats in the oil-rich South-South state, following the expiration of the former chairmen’s three-year tenure.
The situation remains tense, with rival groups digging in their heels.
Ibom Focus reported on June 19, that Governor Fubara, amid the ongoing crisis rocking the state, had sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.
Despite the protests, the police maintained their blockade of the council premises across all LGAs, effectively preventing both sides from accessing the areas and potential flashpoints, in a bid to prevent the situation from escalating and maintain public safety.
By doing so, the police aimed to prevent a further breakdown of law and order, and keep the tensions from boiling over into violence.
Ibom Focus had reported the passing of the Local Government Amendment Bill into law by the Rivers State Assembly, but Fubara refused to sign it. In a bold move, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed the governor’s decision.
The amended bill would have granted the Assembly the power to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councillors if elections couldn’t be held before the end of their three-year term.
However, the court struck down the amended law, and an appeal was filed. The appeal court is set to deliver a crucial ruling on the matter, which could significantly impact the political landscape of Rivers State.
