Tension and unrest have surged in Rivers State following a series of explosions and protests that have rocked the region.
This upheaval coincides with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who ordered the immediate unsealing of all local government secretariats—an action taken three months after police intervention in the area.
This turmoil erupted a day after Governor Sim Fubara officially swore in the newly elected council chairmen, following contentious elections held on Saturday.
The elections yielded 22 winners from the All Peoples Party closely aligned with Fubara, alongside a single seat secured by the Action Alliance.
Despite opposition from the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his allies—who dominate the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party—Governor Fubara was resolute in his decision to proceed with the elections.
This political struggle, characterized by a fierce rivalry for control over state resources, has cast a shadow over governance in Rivers State.
As the newly appointed council chairmen took office on Monday, chaos ensued when the Eleme Local Government Area secretariat was engulfed in flames, reportedly ignited by an explosion from what appears to be a dynamite device.
The newly elected Chairman, Brain Gokpa, arrived at the scene alongside councillors and supporters only to discover several buildings within the complex ablaze.
The police have yet to issue a statement regarding these developments, heightening concerns about the potential for violence throughout the state.
In addition, protests have erupted in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where demonstrators have barred the newly sworn-in chairman from taking office.
Further complicating the situation, the Ikwerre Local Government Secretariats faced violent attacks from hoodlums, with gunfire reported in close proximity to the secretariat.
As of press time, the connection between the shooting and the new council chairmen’s resumption of office remains unclear.
