Tensions Escalate as Port Harcourt LGA Chairman Faces Resistance
Heavy gunfire erupted at the premises of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area in Rivers State on Tuesday June 18th as tensions flared during an attempt by the LGA Chairman, Hon Allwell Ihundah, to access his office. The situation led to temporary closures of businesses in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, turmoil unfolded when Chairman Ihundah, accompanied by security personnel, arrived at the council secretariat to enter his office, only to encounter resistance from youths who had occupied the premises since Monday. This occupation followed the expiration of the elected Chairmen of Local Government and Councilors’ three-year tenure on June 17, as stipulated by the Constitution.
However, despite a supposed amendment to the Local Government Administration Law by the Martin Amaewhule the head of the state Assembly extending the LGA chairmen’s tenure by six months, a State High Court in Port Harcourt had nullified the amendment.
Furthermore, Governor Siminialayi Fubara, in a statewide broadcast bade farewell to the elected chairmen and councilors, emphasizing that their legal tenure had concluded.
