“RIVERS YOUTH PROTEST: TENSION AS CHAIRMEN’S TENURE EXTENSION SPARKS UNREST”

Babatunji Wusu –

In the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, a group of young people took action on Monday by gathering at the council headquarters. Their presence there was prompted by the expiration of the tenure of the local government chairmen in the state.

The chairmen, under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), have declared their intent to remain in office. They cite the Local Government Amendment Law, passed by the 27 members of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, which they say grants them a six-month extension.

Allwell Ihunda, the state ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, emphasized that the House of Assembly’s law gives them the legal right to continue serving.

In response, Governor Sim Fubara cautioned the chairmen against taking actions that could disrupt the state’s peace, following the end of their tenure. This situation has escalated tensions between the council chairmen elected during former Governor Nyesom Wike’s tenure and Governor Fubara.

Reports from Punch indicate that youths in Degema occupied the council secretariat, singing and insisting that the chairmen must not remain in office beyond their tenure or return to the council. Similar incidents were reported in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where youths also occupied the council headquarters.

These youths have vowed to stay until Wednesday when normal activities resume, challenging the chairmen to come to the secretariat.

Meanwhile, heightened security measures are in place in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio/Akpor LG to prevent security breaches amid the unrest.

The protest has created significant tension in the state and there are concerns it may spread to other local governments. Confirming the situation, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, assured that the police are actively monitoring and maintaining peace, with a visible presence to ensure security.