By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
One person has been reported dead and several others injured following a clash at the Port Harcourt Local Government Secretariat, in Rivers State.
Violence broke out on Tuesday morning when a group of youths stormed the secretariat, resisting attempts by the police to take over the building.
The incident follows the directive by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a few hours ago, in a state broadcast that Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) should assume leadership of the 23 council areas following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.
The youths, allegedly backed by supporters of Governor Fubara, were met with force by the police.
Gunshots were allegedly fired as expended shell casings can be seen in the video below. The youths, who appeared to be unarmed, expressed outrage at the police’s use of force, questioning why they were being targeted.
The crisis stems from a court ruling recognizing a three-man House of Assembly, which annulled the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
Despite the ruling, the chairmen had insisted on remaining in office for six more months, prompting Governor Fubara to declare their tenure expired on June 17.
On Monday, a similar incident happened as youths took over secretariats in Degema and Asari-Toru councils, demanding the exit of the chairmen and officials.
