Youths in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have taken over the council headquarters, protesting the extension of the tenure of local government chairmen in the state. The chairmen, under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), have vowed to remain in office, citing a law passed by the state House of Assembly.
The law, which was signed by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, empowers the council chairmen to extend their tenure by six months. However, the governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned the chairmen not to do anything that would truncate the peace of the state.
The youths, who stormed the council secretariat early on Monday, are demanding that the chairmen leave office after serving out their tenure. They are also calling for the conduct of local government elections in the state.
The situation is creating tension in the state, with the police deploying security personnel to maintain order. The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, has urged everyone to maintain peace in the state.
The occupation of the council secretariat is a significant development in the ongoing power struggle between the governor and the local government chairmen. The chairmen were elected during the tenure of the former governor, Nyesom Wike, and have been having a running battle with Fubara since he took office.
The outgoing chairman of Eleme local government, Obarilomate Ollor, has warned those planning to invade the council to stay away, stating that the local government is not a community town hall or students’ union secretariat.
The situation is likely to spread to other local government areas in the state, as the youths are calling for the conduct of local government elections. The governor has warned the chairmen not to do anything that would truncate the peace of the state, but the chairmen are determined to remain in office.
The situation is a significant challenge for the governor, who is facing opposition from the local government chairmen and the youths. The governor has called for calm and has urged the chairmen to respect the law and leave office after serving out their tenure.
The situation is being closely watched, and it remains to be seen how it will play out in the coming days.
