Former chairmen from 21 out of 23 local government areas in Rivers State staged protests in defiance of a police advisory against demonstrations on Monday.
Aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, these former council leaders marched through their respective local councils despite warnings issued by the state Police Command.
In Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru LGA, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George led his supporters in a spirited march through town, chanting solidarity songs for Wike. They carried placards demanding the police to maintain their presence at the council headquarters, with messages like “Sim Fubara Can’t Continue to Act As He Likes” and “There’s No Vacancy in Asari-Toru Council”.
According to Channels Television, tensions rose in Asari-Toru LGA when alleged operatives of Asari Dokubo’s private military group, known as Amama soldiers, attempted to disrupt the protest. Police quickly intervened to prevent violence, and the demonstrators eventually submitted a protest letter to the authorities.
Meanwhile, in Abonnema, at the headquarters of Akuku-Toru LGA, another group voiced support for the ongoing closure of council premises by police.
Last Tuesday, police took over the 23 LGA council secretariats in the oil-rich South-South region following a crisis sparked by the expiration of the former chairmen’s three-year tenures, which sadly resulted in three fatalities.
