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SPOTLIGHTS
- Armed group threatens to remove council chairmen whose tenure expired on 17 June 2024
- Youths occupy council headquarters, protesting against tenure extension
- Security beefed up in some LGAs to prevent unrest
- Group’s leader, claiming to work with Joint Task Force, issues ultimatum
- Governor sends Caretaker Committee names to the House of Assembly for screening
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
There is palpable fear in Rivers State following a trending video of armed men who declared their intention to ensure the exit of local government council chairmen whose tenure expired on 17 June 2024.
Already, youths have occupied some local government headquarters, chanting for the chairmen to step down. In Degema Local Government Area and Asari-Toru LGA (ASALGA), youths have taken over the headquarters, vowing to occupy the council secretariats until Wednesday, when work resumes after a two-day public holiday marking Muslim festivities. These youths are opposed to the extension of the council chairmen’s tenure.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA) and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
But, in the viral five-minute, seven-second video clip, taken last Saturday, some armed men were seen crossing a creek. The group’s leader, whose name remains unknown, declared that they had returned from the river and were preparing for resistance from any council chairman who refused to vacate office on Wednesday.
Read also: Don’t destabilise Rivers State for your selfish gains, pro-democracy group tells LG Chairmen
The group leader, wearing a black polo shirt with the inscription “G. ASABUJA,” stated: “Today is Saturday, 15th June. I am back from the river, the creek; preparing and about to take over local government areas on Wednesday because Monday and Tuesday are public holidays. We are back to take over all 23 local government councils. So, the council chairmen should wait for us. We are coming. We will ensure every council caretaker leaves.”
“It is my hobby and business to work with the government, to relate to the government to fight crime. Those who said the government will not drink water and keep the cup, we will join hands and follow them anyhow they want it.”
“I work with the Joint Task Force; I am in charge of anti-bunkering in the South-South. I have come back home. Half of my men are back. We are taking over all the local government areas.”
“But, for now, we are enjoying, flexing, preparing for Wednesday. I am hosting my boys for Wednesday. So, let all the caretakers be prepared to host my boys on Wednesday. You have entered.”
The leader specifically called on the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Samuel Nwanosike, to prepare and wait for them, adding that he would be present at the council secretariat.
“Nwanosike Ishi, wait for us on Wednesday. I volunteer to come to Ikwerre Local Government Area. I will be there. Wait for us, there is no problem. You’ll learn how to respect elders and authority.”
“Let me go and see my boys, my soldiers. We want to prepare for Wednesday. We are ready.”
The leader was then seen distributing drinks to a group of entertainers within the vicinity.
Daily Sun gathered that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sent the names of a seven-man Caretaker Committee for all 23 LGAs to the House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, for screening and confirmation.
It is worth noting that the council chairmen and House of Assembly members loyal to the Minister of the Federal Territory have been at odds with the governor.
