TENSION AS GUNSHOTS, VIOLENCE BREAK OUT IN RIVERS

TENSION AS GUNSHOTS, VIOLENCE BREAK OUT IN RIVERS STATE

Tensions are running high in Rivers State after the recent local government elections.

Reports have surfaced of gunshots, arson, and clashes from multiple local government area secretariats across the state.

Specifically, incidents have been reported in Ikwerre, Oyigbo, and Ahoada East LGAs.

In certain areas, some persons have protested chanting “No Wike, no Rivers State, no Wike, no Secretariat” according to a viral video.

It can be recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while swearing in the council chairmen on Sunday, exposed plots by alleged enemies of the state to unleash violence on the newly sworn-in local government chairmen.

Fubara revealed that some groups were mobilizing 20 people per political unit to attack the chairmen when they report to their various council secretariats to resume duties. He advised the chairmen not to confront the situation or engage in any physical altercations should violence erupt.

In the election held on Saturday, opposition parties including the Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Labour Party won seats.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed out of the election.