Rivers Crisis: Youths Storm LGA Secretariats Demanding Chairmen to Step Down

The council secretariats in the three local government areas of the Kalabari ethnic group have been occupied by the youth, who are demanding the removal of the council chairmen from their positions.

These local government areas include Degema, Asari-Toru, and Akuku-Toru. Recent amateur videos obtained by Channels Television show that the youth have gathered to block the entrance to the council complexes and have requested traders to vacate the premises.

In the midst of this, Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta agitator and a member of the ethnic group, has advised the elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State to quietly step down from their positions by midnight on Monday, as their three-year tenure is coming to an end.

Asari emphasized the importance of adhering to the stipulated tenure limits in the Local Government Law of 2018 to maintain order and legality, despite any arguments put forth by the chairmen. He made these statements during a visit by the Muslim Community to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Asari specifically addressed the youth, urging them not to be recruited to disrupt the peace of the state during this transition period. He also mentioned that the people of Rivers are prepared to take over the council secretariats until the state government is ready to conduct the local government election.

The significance of peaceful transitions and the role of citizens in upholding democracy was once again emphasized by the previous agitation.

Asari’s remarks mirror the concerns of the people, who are determined to maintain stability and prevent any potential conflicts during this period.

The political atmosphere in Rivers State remains tense as time passes swiftly. The recent visit by the Muslim community underscored the necessity for unity and peaceful coexistence within the state.

The Vice President General of the Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his inclusive approach towards religious diversity.

He highlighted that the Muslim community has not faced any attacks or conflicts with other religious organizations. In his speech, Governor Fubara encouraged the Muslim community to exhibit love and care for one another, promising to foster more peaceful coexistence among all religious groups in the state.

Additionally, he pledged to address the requests of Muslim leaders, such as the construction of a central mosque in Port Harcourt and the establishment of a mosque at Rivers State University for Muslim students.

Governor Fubara emphasized that the preaching of the word of God can lead to behavioral changes that reduce crime rates. Reflecting on his accomplishments, which were acknowledged by the Muslim community, Governor Fubara mentioned that public opinion rates him as the best-performing first-term governor.

He vowed to maintain the momentum in order to leave behind a better Rivers State. He urged the Muslim community to continue praying for his administration, expressing confidence that with God’s support, he has the backing of the majority.

The Rivers leader acknowledged that his opponents may attempt to disrupt his efforts, but assured that they will not succeed in their negative plans.