Rivers crises deepen as angry protesters destroy Wike’s statue in Obio/Akpor

Supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have destroyed the statue of Nyesom Wike in Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in the hometown of the former governor.

The development follows Fubara’s directive for Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the 23 council areas, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.

The crisis has its roots in a court ruling recognizing a three-man House of Assembly, which annulled the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to Wike.

Despite the ruling, chairmen insisted on remaining in office for six more months.

In Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, the immediate past Executive Chairman, defied Fubara’s directive and stormed the council secretariat.

Nwanosike, a close ally of Wike, accused Fubara of sponsoring insecurity in the state, claiming that the governor has armed youths who have attacked local government chairmen and police across the 23 council areas.

The situation across the state has more or less been the same, with youths laying siege to the different Local Government Secretariats.