Some local government secretariats in Rivers State have again been locked up by the police following a directive from the Presidency that they should ensure security at the local government secretariats.
After local government elections were held in the state on Saturday the Inspector General of Police directed that the police guarding the secretariats should withdraw and allow workers access to the secretariats.
But early on Monday, some hoodlums suspected to be political hirelings invaded a number of the secretariats and unleashed mayhem. In Eleme Local Government Area, the secretariat was entirely burnt down. The administrative building of Ikwerre and Emohua Local Governments at Isiokpo and Emohua were set ablaze while there were gun battles in Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East, Khana and other local government areas.
But the situation was different in Degema, Akuku Toru and Asari Toru local government areas of the state.
Though, On Monday 7th September information reaching this publication had it that major supporters of the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, were asked to mobilise at least 20 persons each in the 319 wards to storm the council premises for protest, which was scuttled by security agencies in the three local government areas.
In Akuku-Toru, there was sporadic gun shots. Confirming this to this publication Pastor Tonye DonPedro, who is an indigene of Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru local government area said, “During the election everywhere was peaceful, no skirmishes or violence. It was after the election we heard some gun shots. I understand it was fired by the Asari Dokubo’s security outfit called (Amama) soldiers since there was no government security in the election”.
Speaking on the outcome of the local government election, DonPedro said election in Nigeria was usually selection; winners are often predetermined by the government of the day.
On the choice of Tonye Oniyide Briggs, Pastor Tonye told this publication that he and some other persons wanted a woman to be lead the council at this time.
“On the choice of Tonye Oniyide Briggs, I for one had wanted a woman to be at the helm of affairs in the local government area and most people were of the same view with me”.
In Asari-Toru and Emuoha local government areas security operatives were seen manning the council secretariat to avert any possible breakdown of law and order.
It was a similar situation at Eleme where the secretariat burnt in the Monday mayhem. Police kept guard at the council.
The Chairman of the local government, Mr. Brain Gokpa, further inspected the damage done to the secretariat complex and moved to where the council was erecting a new secretariat building to also inspect the project.
