The crisis in Rivers state politics over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen took more uncertain twists on Tuesday, with two people – a policeman and a member of a local vigilante outfit, confirmed killed in the fracas.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The crisis in Rivers state politics over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen took more uncertain twists on Tuesday, with two people – a policeman and a member of a local vigilante outfit, confirmed killed in the fracas.
The awry development occurred as the State Police Command said it has taken over the 23 local government councils in the state as well as some critical infrastructure in the oil and gas-rich state.
The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.
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The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday night.
Iringe-Koko also confirmed the killing of a policeman and a member of a local vigilante outfit.
The statement reads, “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two Political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a Police officer and a vigilante were killed.
“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.”
Iringe-Koko stressed that anyone with the intention of disrupting peace in the state would face the full wrath of the law.
“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.
“We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”
The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had earlier in the day, directed heads of local government administration to take charge of affairs of the 23 Rivers LG councils. It is not certain if the police take over of the councils would affect the order by the governor.
On Monday, some youths in the Degema LG of the state took over the council headquarters and locked the entrance as LG chairmen in the state under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria had vowed to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 House of Assembly members empowering them to extend their tenure by six months.