Rivers: Ahoada LG Chairman Resumes Work Despite Resistance
Police authorities announced the reopening of the 23 Local Government Council Secretariats following the successful conduct of the elections.
By Deborah Agbalama
Updated October 7, 2024
The chairman of Ahoada LGA Chibudom Hezekiah.
The Rivers State local government elections may have concluded successfully, but tension remains between factions loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those aligned with the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
Governor Fubara had on Sunday raised concerns about an alleged plan to obstruct the newly elected chairmen as they resume office. On Monday, those concerns played out in some councils.
In Ahoada East Local Government Area, the newly sworn-in Chairman Chibudom Hezekiah along with councilors and a large crowd of supporters, encountered resistance at the council gate, where a small group attempted to prevent them from gaining access. However, with the intervention of security operatives and the insistence of the crowd, the situation was brought under control, allowing the chairman and his team to enter the council.
Amidst jubilation, the new councilors proceeded with their swearing-in ceremony. Afterward, they moved directly to their chambers to hold their first sitting.
Chairman Hezekiah alleged that the brief disruption at the gate was orchestrated by the former chairman, Benjamin Eke, who is loyal to Wike. He emphasised that the will of the people is greater.
Channels Television reached out to Eke via telephone, and he confirmed that he was responsible for the resistance. However, he explained that his actions were in protest of the elections, which he believes should not have taken place due to a court order from Abuja.
Earlier on Monday, police authorities announced the reopening of the 23 Local Government Council secretariats following the successful conduct of the elections. They have also withdrawn their officers who were previously blocking access to the councils.
With ongoing tensions, one can only hope for peace to prevail to enable the required development at the grassroots level of Rivers State.
Follow Globaltrust.ng for more stories.
