In response to the expiry of the term of the local government chairmen in Rivers State, a group of young people in the Degema Local Government Area staged a takeover of the council headquarters on Monday.
Similar demonstrations have been seen in other local government areas within the state, with chairmen citing a Local Government Amendment Law that allows them to extend their tenure by six months.
The State ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, emphasized the legal backing provided by the House of Assembly for their continued stay in office.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged the chairmen not to disrupt the peace of the state and has given them a deadline to vacate their positions.
As tensions rise, youths in Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs have taken control of council facilities in opposition to the chairmen’s tenure extension.
Security measures have been heightened in certain areas to prevent any potential breaches.
Outgoing council chairman of Eleme LG, Obarilomate Ollor, issued a warning to those attempting to remove him from office, emphasizing that the council premises are government facilities and should be respected accordingly.
As the situation unfolds, the police have assured that they are monitoring the events closely and have urged everyone to uphold peace in the state.