Youths take over Rivers Local Govt councils secretariat

Youths have seized various local government area council secretariats in Rivers State.

This action follows the expiration of the elected Chairmen’s three-year terms today, June 17th.

It would be recalled that the Martin Amaewhule led Rivers State House of Assembly had repelled the State Local Government Authority, elongating the tenures of the chairmen for six months upon expiration.

The Chief Executive of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, had declined to give his assent to the bill, but the state lawmakers vetoed the bill into law.

However, while the executive arm of the state has maintained that the LGA Chairmen would vacate office on expiration of their tenure, the assembly members who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, insisted that they would not vacate office.

But, Monday morning, while the nation still observed the two holidays declared by the Federal Government, youths barricaded some of the LGA council secretariats in the state.

As early as 8am, Asari Toru LGA, Akuku Tori LGA and Degema LGA council secretariats have been taken over by youths, who are stating that they would not allow the chairmen or any member of their team to return to the premises after the holidays.

Meanwhile, at press time, there is total calm at Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area councils. But the police in view of the development has stationed vans and men around the Port Harcourt City LGA secretariat.