A tense situation is unfolding in Rivers State as youths have taken over two local government councils, demanding the departure of the council chairmen. The crisis is linked to the ongoing succession crisis in the 23 local government areas of the state.
At Degema Local Government Area secretariat, youths blocked the main entrance, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the exit of Chairman Michael John Williams. Similarly, at Asari-Toru Local Government Secretariat, youths barricaded the gate to prevent the Chairman and other officials from accessing the area.
In Port Harcourt City LGA, police patrol vans are stationed at the gate to maintain order. Reports indicate that Governor Siminialayi Fubara has sent a list of caretaker committees to the lawmakers for screening, fueling the crisis.
Armed youths, suspected to be surveillance workers, were seen in a viral video parading the creeks of riverine Local councils. A leader of the joint task force anti-bunkering Southsouth threatened to take over the 23 local government areas and escort the caretaker committees to their various councils.
The situation is volatile, with fears of possible violence and outbreak of lawlessness in the state.
