Political tensions in Rivers State has escalated today as thugs blocked the newly sworn-in council chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area from entering the local government secretariat. This unrest comes in the wake of local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), leading to widespread protests in parts of the state.
According to reports, a group of thugs, reportedly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the current Federal Capital Territory minister and former governor of Rivers State, are opposing the election results and have taken matters into their own hands by obstructing the newly elected chairman. The thugs have formed a blockade at the secretariat, preventing the newly elected officials from assuming office.
This incident is one of several violent reactions following the local government elections across Rivers State. Reports from other local government areas (LGAs) in the state also highlight similar unrest, with gunfire and disturbances erupting in some regions. As political tensions rise, security concerns are growing for both the officials and the local communities affected by the protests.
The conflict has been linked to the ongoing political rift between the camp of Nyesom Wike and other factions in Rivers State. Wike, a powerful figure in the state’s politics, has faced opposition since his departure from the governor’s office. While no official statement has been made by Wike regarding the unrest, his supporters have been accused of instigating the chaos in Ogu/Bolo and other LGAs in protest of the election outcome.
