Officers of the Rivers State Police Command have prevented the immediate past Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Allwell Ihundah, from accessing his office.
This development comes amidst a deepening political crisis in the state.
According to a video by Channels Television, the chairman was denied entry into his office, following a directive by the police to take control of all 23 local government council secretariats in the state.
The crisis took a fiery turn after Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the council areas, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.
A recent court ruling had annulled the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, recognizing a three-man House of Assembly instead.
However, the former chairmen have refused to step down, leading to clashes between supporters of the two political factions.
Tragically, a police officer and a vigilante lost their lives in the violence that erupted at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, according to a statement by the police on Tuesday.
“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.
Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities. While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them,” the statement read in part.
In a recent development, Governor Fubara has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.
Watch the video below:
