Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced that the 23 local government councils will operate from alternative secretariats following their closure by police. This decision was made after the police barred newly inaugurated caretaker committee chairmen from accessing their offices on Tuesday.

Governor Fubara, who swore in the caretaker chairmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, stated that the councils could operate from any location. The police had sealed the local government headquarters to prevent further violence and maintain order after clashes between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, which resulted in two deaths.

Fubara and Wike have been at odds since last year, with tensions escalating recently. The crisis saw the bombing of the state House of Assembly and an attempted impeachment of Fubara by lawmakers loyal to Wike.

The tenure of the previous chairmen expired on Monday, but they refused to leave office, citing an amendment to the Local Government Law by Wike’s supporters, which extended their terms by six months due to Fubara’s failure to hold local elections.

Governor Fubara directed the newly appointed chairmen to ensure a peaceful administration and avoid confrontation. He also ordered an audit of the councils’ finances from the past three years and instructed the new chairmen to ensure the payment of outstanding benefits to their predecessors.

The police have maintained a heavy presence at the local government secretariats to prevent clashes. Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu stated that the headquarters would remain closed temporarily to avoid violence.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for a state of emergency, citing the escalating crisis. However, the state Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed these calls as baseless.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the recent violence and the deaths of a police officer and a vigilante member.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the APC of attempting to destabilize the state and reaffirmed its support for Governor Fubara. The PDP urged the APC to cease its actions to maintain stability and democracy in Rivers State.