Tension Erupt In Rivers Over Lifting Of Ban On LGA Secretariats

Disputes broke out in Ahoada East, Rivers State, following the lifting of a three-month ban on Local Government Area secretariats.

Naija News reports that the ban had been lifted on Monday by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, sparking unrest among local residents.

The Ahoada East secretariat, located in the LGA of Governor Siminalayi Fubara‘s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, saw a clash as some individuals resisted the return of the LGA chairman.

Police officers reportedly fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, prompting Channels TV correspondents to flee the area for safety.

Earlier, the Rivers State Police Command, represented by spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, had issued a directive to reopen all 23 LGA secretariats across the state.

This move, carried out under the guidance of the recently appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala, included the immediate withdrawal of officers stationed to secure these premises.

The ban was initially enforced in June due to conflicts between newly appointed Caretaker Committee Chairmen aligned with Governor Fubara and the outgoing chairmen, who were loyal to Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The suspension of access to the secretariats had fueled political tensions, but the governor’s recent swearing-in of 23 newly elected LGA chairmen on Sunday aimed to re-establish leadership at the local government level.

Additionally, there were reports of a minor altercation at the Port Harcourt City LGA secretariat as Chairman Ezebunwo Ichemati attempted to access the premises.

While some individuals initially tried to prevent his entry, tensions eased upon the arrival of Ichemati, local councillors, and supporters.

Ichemati was later seen overseeing maintenance work, including clearing overgrown grasses and cleaning the council facilities.