Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman Orders Removal of Wike’s Name from Council Building
By Wisdom Tide
October 8, 2024
In a decisive move that reflects the escalating tensions within Rivers State politics, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Chijioke Ihunwo, has ordered the removal of Nyesom Wike’s name from a prominent building within the council secretariat. Mr. Ihunwo, who recently assumed office following a local election, took swift action to dissociate the council from the influence of the current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, by renaming the administrative block.
Renaming the Council Block
During his visit to the council secretariat on Monday, Mr. Ihunwo directed that the administrative block, previously named “Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ADMIN BLOCK,” be renamed to "Obi Wali House." This renaming, he said, was necessary to honour the late Obi Wali, a revered figure from the Ikwerre ethnic group, known for his significant contributions to politics and intellectual discourse in Rivers State.
“I have renamed it Obi Wali House,” Mr. Ihunwo declared amidst cheers from onlookers. “Wike does not allow the people to rest,” he added, making it clear that the decision was aimed at moving beyond the legacy of Wike, who once held significant influence in the council.
Response to Recent Attacks
The renaming took place against the backdrop of heightened unrest in the state, following the recent arson attacks on council secretariats in Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs. These attacks were perpetrated by hoodlums shortly after the police withdrew their security presence from the premises.
In a firm warning, Mr. Ihunwo vowed that any attempt to attack the Obio/Akpor council building would be met with severe retaliation. “They have burnt other LGA councils in Rivers State, but whoever burns Obio/Akpor Council, his house will be burnt,” he warned, adding that the local government was prepared to protect itself at all costs.
Political Tensions and Security Concerns
Mr. Ihunwo’s election on Saturday took place amid a tense political environment, with the Rivers State Police Command initially refusing to provide security for the polls, citing a court order. Following the election, the police eventually unsealed the council secretariats, but the damage had already been done as hoodlums capitalized on the absence of security forces to carry out the attacks.
Addressing these security concerns, Mr. Ihunwo urged the Rivers State Police Command to remain neutral in the ongoing political conflicts. “I want to advise Rivers State Police Command, let them be neutral,” he stated in a video posted on his social media handle. Despite the threats to the security of the local government, he emphasized that his administration would not back down in the face of intimidation. “We are ready for them,” he said, in defiance of the hoodlums who had attacked other council buildings.
The Legacy of Obi Wali
The renaming of the administrative block in the council secretariat to "Obi Wali House" is a tribute to the late Obi Wali, a distinguished son of the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State. Wali, who was a senator representing Port Harcourt District, was known for his exceptional intellectual contributions in the Nigerian Senate, earning him a place among the nation’s most respected intellectuals such as Gani Fawehinmi, Chinua Achebe, and Wole Soyinka.
In 1993, Wali’s life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in his home. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to be celebrated in Rivers State. In 2014, the state government honored him by commissioning the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, and the Ikwerre ethnic group has instituted an annual memorial lecture in his name.
In the video, Mr. Ihunwo described Wali as a figure who had made significant contributions to the people of Ikwerre, underscoring the importance of preserving his memory through this renaming.
Political Feud Between Wike and Fubara
The renaming of the council building also reflects the growing divide between Mr. Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The two political figures have been locked in a power struggle over the control of the political structure in Rivers State. Wike, who served as the governor of the state from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu, remains a polarizing figure in Rivers State politics.
Conclusion
Chairman Ihunwo’s decision to remove Wike’s name from the Obio/Akpor council secretariat marks a significant shift in the local political landscape. As tensions continue to rise between key political players in Rivers State, this act of renaming is not only symbolic but also a declaration of allegiance to the legacy of Obi Wali, a figure who represents integrity and intellectual prowess in the state’s history. Meanwhile, the threat of further violence looms large, as local leaders brace for potential reprisals from opposing factions.
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