By Daily Review Online
Former chairmen from 21 of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State staged protests at their respective council areas, defying an advisory against protests issued by the Rivers State Police Command.
In Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru LGA, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George and his supporters marched through the streets, singing in solidarity with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. They carried placards with messages such as “Sim Fubara Can’t Continue to Act As He Likes” and “There’s No Vacancy in Asari-Toru Council,” urging the police to maintain their presence at the council headquarters.
The protests were organized in response to the continued police occupation of council secretariats across the state, which began last Tuesday following a crisis over the expiration of the three-year tenure of the former LGA chairmen. This occupation was aimed at preventing both parties from accessing the premises to avoid further conflict.
The demonstration in Asari-Toru LGA nearly turned violent when individuals believed to be operatives of Asari Dokubo’s private military company, known as Amama Soldiers, attempted to attack the protesters. However, the police quickly intervened and restrained the attackers. The protesters later submitted a protest letter to the police.
Similar protests occurred in Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru LGA, where demonstrators supported the continued closure of council premises by the police.
The crisis in Rivers State has already resulted in three deaths, prompting Governor Siminalayi Fubara to swear in 23 caretaker chairmen. Despite this, the police have continued to barricade the council premises to prevent further violence and ensure the maintenance of law and order.