Political leaders in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a protest in support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protest is led by Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; Martins Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and George Ariolu, former Council Chairman.
The demonstrators are urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain a police presence in the councils and resist any intimidation efforts.
The protest, which is taking place along Ikwerre Road, has caused significant traffic congestion.
Last week, IGP Kayode Egbetokun stated that police officers would continue to man the 23 council secretariats in the state pending a court judgment on the case between Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The dispute centers on the former council chairmen, whose tenure ended on June 17, insisting on tenure elongation based on an amendment by Amaewhule and others.
This amendment has been set aside by a Rivers State High Court.
IGP Egbetokun explained that the continued police presence at the councils aims to prevent further crises.
The need for caution is underscored by recent violence; last Tuesday, a police officer and a local vigilante member were killed following clashes between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those of the FCT Minister, Wike, in Omuma LGA.
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