Advocates of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have toppled the statue of former governor Nyesom Wike in Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, the area where Wike was born.
This action followed Fubara’s orders for Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control over the 23 councils, after the three-year terms of the elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors ended.
The crisis originated from a judicial ruling that validated a three-member House of Assembly, which overturned the extension of terms granted by the 27-member Assembly allied with Wike. Despite this, the chairmen insisted on staying in office for an additional six months.
In Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, the outgoing Executive Chairman and close associate of Wike, defied Fubara’s instructions and took over the council secretariat.
Nwanosike accused Fubara of creating instability in the state, claiming that the governor had armed young people who attacked local government chairmen and police officers in all 23 council areas. Similar unrest has been reported across the state, with youths taking control of various Local Government Secretariats.
