Hoodlums have set fire to parts of Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats in Rivers State.
This happened hours after Kayode Egbetokun, IGP, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police from the 23 local government secretariats in the state.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, confirmed. She said the IGP’s order was part of the Nigeria Police Force’s neutrality and to allow for the smooth running of democratic institutions.
Newly elected chairmen and councillors got to their secretariats and found thick black smoke billowing out from their offices.
There are reports of unrest in several other LGAs in Rivers State as the new council bosses try to take over amidst the chaos.
Background: Swearing-In and Tension
On Sunday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in 23 new local government chairmen. The election held on Saturday saw Action Peoples Party (APP) win 22 LGAs and Action Alliance (AA) won one LGA.
During the swearing-in, Fubara warned of violence against the new council bosses. He said they were planning to incite confrontation against the council leaders as they resume office.
“I know they are mobilising 20 people per unit to confront you tomorrow when you get to your local government secretariat,” Fubara said. “If they come with violence, avoid them. The peace of this state is too precious to us.”
Fubara told the council chairmen to be patient and not to confront anyone, to stay calm and focused on delivering their promises to the people.
“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculated,” he added.
Political Crisis and Election Unrest
The attack on the secretariats is coming at a time of high political tension in Rivers State which has been brewing over the power struggle between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state.
On October 3, protesters stormed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt to protest against the LGA election. Also, an explosion was reported at the secretariat of a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Tony Okocha just hours before the election.
Police also disrupted the LGA election at Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Rivers State is still uncertain. New council bosses are trying to take over.
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