Following the conclusion of the tenure of local government chairmen in Rivers State, youths in Degema Local Government Area took control of the council headquarters on Monday.
This development occurred amidst a standoff with the chairmen who, supported by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), insist on remaining in office. They base their claim on the Local Government Amendment Law recently passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, extending their tenure by six months.
State ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda, also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, asserted that this law legally allows them to stay in office, citing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged delay in conducting local government elections.
Governor Fubara, however, warned the chairmen against disrupting the peace of the state and reminded them of the imminent end of their tenure.
In Degema and Asari-Toru Local Government Areas, youths occupied council headquarters, barricading entrances and chanting solidarity slogans. They vowed to prevent the outgoing chairmen from returning until the expiration of their claimed extended tenure.
The state police command, represented by spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, assured the public of efforts to maintain peace, noting police presence and continuous monitoring of the situation
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