The political crisis in Rivers State is not showing signs of abating, as officers of the state police command continue to lay siege to the 23 Local Government Areas headquarters in the state.
In an unprecedented twist on Tuesday, the state police command announced that it would take over the council headquarters, following clashes between supporters of governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.
Fubara had ordered the heads of local government administration to immediately assume control of the 23 council areas of the state, following the expiration of the chairpersons.
However, crisis ensued after youths stormed the LGA secretariats to chase out the elected chairpersons, whose tenure ended on June 17.
Despite the governor’s directive, some of the former LGA chairpersons reportedly attempted to continue to occupy office before they were chased away by youths.
During the clash at Eberi-Omuma community in Okuama LGA, a police officer and one vigilante member were killed.
On Wednesday, Fubara swore in the caretaker committee chairpersons for the 23 LGAs.
Some of the caretaker chairpersons could not access the council offices because armed police officers remained stationed at the LGA headquarters.
Darlington Orji, caretaker committee chairman of Ikwere LGA, said in an interview on Channels Television after the swearing-in ceremony, that he could not access the council because it was barricaded by police officers.
Orji said the police officers said they were acting on the orders of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police.
