Continued unrest grips Rivers State as former chairmen of 21 out of 23 local governments have taken their grievances to the streets, vehemently opposing the takeover of their offices. This protest, erupting early in the day, has witnessed the ex-chairmen and their supporters brandishing placards emblazoned with defiant messages such as “Police, continue occupying the councils” and “Sim Fubara can’t continue to act as he likes.”
The conflict in Rivers State escalated dramatically last week after the Police Command enforced a strict blockade, denying entry to several chairmen attempting to access their respective secretariats. This action followed a contentious directive aimed at assuming control over all 23 local government council offices.
In Buguma, the administrative hub of Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), Onengiyeofori George, former chairman, orchestrated a march through the town streets, accompanied by fervent supporters who echoed solidarity chants in favor of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Meanwhile, in Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru LGA, another group of demonstrators congregated to express unwavering endorsement for the continued police closure of council premises.
The former council leaders are purportedly aligned with ex-governor Nyesom Wike, adding a layer of political complexity to the unfolding crisis.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently issued a directive for Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume interim leadership roles in the council areas, citing the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors. Despite this directive, the former chairmen adamantly refused to relinquish power, resulting in clashes between factions loyal to the opposing political figures.
The situation worsened following a judicial ruling that invalidated a tenure extension approved by a 27-member Assembly aligned with Wike, instead recognizing a rival three-member House of Assembly also loyal to Wike.
This turmoil underscores deep-seated political divisions within Rivers State, with implications reaching far beyond administrative reshuffling. The standoff between the former chairmen and the state government-backed HLGAs reflects a broader struggle for political control and influence over local governance structures.
Moreover, the mobilization of supporters in Buguma and Abonnema highlights the grassroots support bases at play, each rallying behind their respective leaders amid accusations of undue influence and constitutional overreach.
Observers fear that unless a resolution is swiftly reached, the conflict could exacerbate existing tensions and potentially destabilize the region further. The involvement of law enforcement agencies, tasked with maintaining order but also accused of partisan intervention, complicates efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
As the protests continue and tensions remain high, stakeholders both within Rivers State and at the federal level are urged to prioritize dialogue and mediation. The broader implications of this crisis, from governance legitimacy to electoral politics, necessitate a nuanced approach that respects both legal frameworks and democratic principles.
In conclusion, the unfolding events in Rivers State serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of local governance structures in Nigeria’s complex political landscape. The actions and reactions of key political actors will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this crisis, with ramifications that could extend well beyond the region itself.
