IG Extends Barricade Orders
In the ongoing protest in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that officers will remain stationed at the Local Government secretariats until the court resolves the ongoing tenure extension dispute. This decision follows a violent clash in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, which resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member. The conflict erupted over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, whose three-year terms ended on Monday.
Tension Over Tenure Extension Law
Despite the expiration of their terms, the 23 LG chairmen have refused to leave office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024. This law, passed by 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, extends their terms by six months due to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to hold local elections. In response, Governor Fubara swore in 23 caretaker committee chairmen on Wednesday, following protests that ousted the original chairmen.
Police Maintain Barricades
The police have denied access to the newly appointed caretaker chairmen, citing the need to prevent further violence. Inspector General Egbetokun stated during a meeting in Abuja that the barricades would remain until the court’s decision. “We don’t want to lose more lives,” he said, referring to the recent violence. He emphasised the police’s duty to maintain law and order.
Governor Fubara Denies Crisis
Governor Fubara insists that there is no crisis in Rivers State. He described the situation as peaceful, dismissing reports of widespread unrest. “Rivers State is peaceful. We are moving about inspecting projects,” he said. Fubara attributed any isolated problems to external sources, asserting that the state remains stable and calm.
Civil Society Organisations React
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticised the IG’s directive to police the secretariats. Okaba argued that the police should not interfere, especially since the governor has appointed caretaker committees. Similarly, the Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Society Organisation, Enefaa Georgewill, accused the police of overstepping their bounds by interpreting court judgments.
Call for Presidential Intervention
Various stakeholders have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers crisis. Human Rights Advocacy Crusaders urged law enforcement to remain neutral and avoid partisan actions. They warned that taking sides could lead to further violence and instability. The group emphasised the need to uphold the rule of law and allow democratic processes to unfold.
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