Fresh Crisis Rivers As Angry Youths Take Over LG Headquarters As Chairmen’s Tenure Expires
On Monday, youths in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State took control of the council headquarters following the expiration of the local government chairmen’s tenure.
This action occurred amid a dispute over the continuation in office of the chairmen. The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Rivers State, led by its chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, asserted that a Local Government Amendment Law allows them to extend their tenure by six months.
The law, enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 House of Assembly members, purportedly grants the chairmen the authority to remain in office beyond their original tenure. Ihunda emphasized that this legislative provision supports their decision to stay in office.
Despite this, the youths in Degema expressed their opposition by taking over the council headquarters, signaling a significant disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the amendment law.
The situation remains tense as both sides await further developments and potential resolutions to the dispute.
More details to follow…