Video: Pro-Wike Former LGA Bosses Defy Police Order, Stage Protests in Rivers

In a display of defiance against a police advisory, pro-Wike former Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen in Rivers State staged protests in their respective council areas on Monday, June 24, 2024. The protests occurred despite warnings from the Rivers State Police Command against such gatherings.

The protests were led by former chairmen from 21 out of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State. In Buguma, the council headquarters of Asari-Toru LGA, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George, alongside his supporters, marched through the streets of the town. They danced to songs in solidarity with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The former Council Chairmen of 21 out of the 23 Local Governments in Rivers state are staging protests at their respective council areas this morning. pic.twitter.com/DRhNI6oJQv

— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) June 24, 2024

The demonstrators held placards with messages urging the police to continue occupying the council headquarters. Some of the inscriptions read, “Sim Fubara Can’t Continue to Act As He likes” and “There’s No Vacancy in Asari-Toru Council.”

In Abonnema, the Akuku-Toru LGA council headquarters, another group of protesters supported the continued closure of council premises by the police.

These demonstrations follow a week of political tension in Rivers State, sparked by the expiration of the three-year tenure of the former LGA chairmen. Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sworn in 23 caretaker chairmen, but the police have continued to barricade the council premises in all the LGAs, preventing both parties from gaining access.

The Rivers State Police Command had earlier issued an advisory against protests, following intelligence reports suggesting a possible hijack of the planned demonstrations. Despite this, the pro-Wike former LGA chairmen decided to proceed with their protests, highlighting the ongoing political discord in the state.