On Tuesday, a group of protesting youths pulled down a statue of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State. Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers, also served as Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA from 1999 to 2007.
A viral video on the X platform shows over ten youths gathering around and castigating the minister. One of the youths, addressing the apparent leader of the group in the Ikwerre language, said, “Presido, let’s remove this thing (effigy). Just give me the order.”
The video captures several youths laying their hands on the statue, shaking it vigorously, and eventually pulling it from its base.
Pathwaynews reported an ongoing crisis in Rivers State regarding the tenure of outgoing local government chairmen. In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday morning, Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced that the tenure of the elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors, who were sworn in three years ago, expired on Monday, June 17.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas,” Fubara said. “Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.”
