In response to escalating tensions and threats of unrest, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has convened an emergency security meeting to address the crisis surrounding local government leadership in the state.
The urgent meeting comes on the heels of alleged threats by outgoing local government chairmen, whose tenures expired on Monday, to forcibly reoccupy council secretariats.
Governor Fubara emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “You are all aware that the tenure of the council chairmen ended yesterday, 17th June 2024, and today, we have ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration to be in charge while they await further directives.”
Expressing his concern over the reports of disturbances, Fubara added, “It’s really unfortunate that we started hearing some disturbing news from some LGAs of invasion of council secretariats, and it is really unfortunate. So, we have called the Security Council Meeting so that the needful will be done.”
The governor underscored the urgency and necessity of the meeting to maintain peace and order in the state.
He also highlighted potential threats from external adversaries aiming to destabilize the region.
“We are also aware that our enemy is also planning a lot of things. But we will not fall into that plot. We will not also allow him or them to destroy the peace that we are enjoying in the State,” Fubara asserted.
The crisis follows the end of the three-year tenure of the elected chairmen and ward councillors, which has sparked protests and unrest across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Reports of shooting incidents by alleged security personnel at various council secretariats, including Port Harcourt City LGA, Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana LGAs, have heightened the state of alarm.
The Rivers State government, through this emergency meeting, aims to swiftly address these challenges and ensure the stability and security of its local government areas amidst the ongoing tensions.
