Tension flared in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA) of Rivers State yesterday following heavy shooting as Hon. Allwell Ihundah, Chairman of PHALGA, attempted to access his office amidst opposition from local youths.
The unrest has prompted businesses in the area to shut down temporarily as the situation remains volatile.
Ihundah, accompanied by his security personnel, arrived at the council secretariat but was met with resistance from youths who have been occupying the premises since Monday.
The confrontation escalated when police attached to Ihundah began shooting in the air to disperse the youths, who remained defiant.
This development follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors on June 17, as stipulated by the Constitution.
Despite this, Ihundah and other LGA bosses have refused to vacate their offices, citing an amendment to the Local Government Administration Law of the State by the Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly, which purportedly extended their tenure by six months.
However, a State High Court in Port Harcourt recently voided the amendment, reaffirming that the tenure extension was invalid. Governor Siminialayi Fubara, in a statewide broadcast, acknowledged the court’s ruling and bid farewell to the outgoing chairmen and councillors, emphasizing that their legal term in office had ended.
On Tuesday, Ihundah reportedly visited the council secretariat to retrieve some of his personal belongings but was blocked by the youths.
Eyewitnesses reported that the police response, intended to intimidate the youths, was met with staunch resistance, exacerbating the already tense situation.
As the conflict continues, the broader implications for local governance and public order in Port Harcourt remain uncertain.
Authorities have yet to provide a clear resolution to the standoff, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and avoid the area until calm is restored.
