Rivers State Crisis Escalates: Fubara's Camp Opposes Emergency Rule Amidst Violence
Introduction
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State took a violent turn on Monday, October 8, 2024, with the killing of key individuals linked to the local government elections. Among the victims were the brother of Edison Ehie, Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s Chief of Staff, and the father of a newly elected councillor. Additionally, local government secretariats were set ablaze in a wave of unrest, leading to increased tensions in the region.
Political Violence Erupts
The violence, which occurred shortly after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the withdrawal of police from local government secretariats, resulted in the destruction of three secretariats. Suspected political thugs attacked the Ikwere Local Government Secretariat and detonated explosives at the Eleme council secretariat. Rival political groups also clashed in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni councils as they attempted to seize control of the premises.
The violence disrupted the planned swearing-in of newly elected local government officials, creating further political uncertainty in the state.
Swearing-In Amidst Opposition
Despite the violence and opposition from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Fubara proceeded with the swearing-in of 23 newly elected local government chairmen and 314 councillors. The Action Peoples Party (APP), a political ally of Fubara, secured 22 of the 23 chairmanship positions and 314 of the 319 councillorship seats.
The election results were rejected by the faction of the PDP loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who vowed to challenge the election in court, describing the process as an exercise in futility.
Violence at Local Government Secretariats
Following the police withdrawal from the secretariats, newly elected local government officials faced violent resistance as they attempted to take office. In Ahoada East Local Government Area, gunfire erupted as the council chairman and councillors approached the secretariat. Security forces were deployed to disperse the crowds, but the situation escalated, leading to the death of a relative of Governor Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
In other parts of the state, similar incidents occurred. In Obio/Akpor, youths armed with machetes and bottles clashed at the council secretariat during the swearing-in ceremony. In Eleme LGA, suspected political thugs set part of the secretariat on fire with dynamite, looting properties before setting the building ablaze.
Political Tensions and Security Concerns
The escalation of violence in Rivers State has raised concerns about the potential for further unrest. The Secretary of the Inter-State Party Advisory Council, Benjamin Ogbobula, condemned the violence and called for urgent intervention from security agencies. He expressed concern that the situation could spiral out of control if left unaddressed.
“The killing of innocent people and the burning of local government secretariats is unacceptable. These acts are taking us backward, and immediate action must be taken to restore peace,” Ogbobula said.
Governor Fubara’s Camp Rejects Calls for Emergency Rule
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Fubara's camp has opposed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Jerry Omatsogunwa, the Governor's Special Assistant on Electronic Media, condemned those advocating for such measures, describing it as an act of “witchcraft” and “wickedness.”
Omatsogunwa criticized the federal government for allegedly turning a blind eye to similar situations in other states, arguing that the Rivers State crisis did not warrant such drastic action. He urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the calls for emergency rule, emphasizing that the election had been peaceful and that the governor was committed to maintaining order.
Political Fallout and Future Implications
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened existing tensions between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Despite the political differences, Governor Fubara remains a member of the PDP, although the newly elected local government officials belong to different political parties.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, praised Fubara for his resilience and commitment to deepening democracy in the state, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing political struggle.
Conclusion
As violence continues to unfold in Rivers State, the situation remains volatile. With lives lost, property destroyed, and political factions at odds, the crisis calls for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to prevent further escalation. Governor Fubara's determination to proceed with the swearing-in of local government officials, despite the opposition, reflects the high stakes involved in this political contest. Whether the current unrest will lead to long-term instability or be resolved through dialogue and legal channels remains to be seen
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