Hoodlums Run Amok in Rivers: Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua Secretariats Set Ablaze

By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu

Rivers State is facing a severe crisis as hoodlums have set ablaze three local government secretariats within 24 hours. The latest incident occurred at Emohua local government secretariat, where a section was torched by hoodlums after the swearing-in of newly elected chair David Omereji and his deputy and councillors on Sunday. This follows similar attacks on Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats earlier on Monday.

The violence is reportedly aimed at preventing newly elected officials from resuming their duties. In Obio/Akpor LGA, hoodlums invaded the secretariat, shooting sporadically to scare away workers, but were repelled by armed police officers.

The crisis is linked to the feud between Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike

The crisis is linked to the feud between Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 LGAs, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one LGA in Saturday’s election.

The build-up to the Rivers LGA elections was marred by controversy, conflicting court orders, and pushback from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of security personnel from the secretariats of the 23 LGAs

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of security personnel from the secretariats of the 23 LGAs. Despite this, Governor Fubara proceeded with the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, defying the federal high court ruling.

The situation remains tense, with concerns about the implications for democracy and governance in Rivers State.

Read Also: President Tinubu Condemns Rivers Violence, Urges Calm