*Pix above{r…l}: Nyeson Wike and Gov Simi Fubara
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The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON Rivers State chapter, Allwell Ihunda, escaped being lynched on Tuesday ly as angry youths chased him along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Ihunda, who is the outgoing Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, was on his way to the council secretariat with some aides and security details when the incident occurred.
It was gathered that he had alighted from his vehicle and tried to make his way into the council but met a group of youths who occupied the entrance.
Almost immediately, the youth started shouting, chasing him, the youths tried to get hold of Ihunda, who raced towards his car.
But the security details attached to him, resisted the youths from getting hold of their principal, shooting into the air to disperse them.
Ihunda jumped into a black SUV vehicle, escorted by aides and zoomed off while the youths continued shooting into the air.
Two other vehicles, including a white van believed to be that of aides of the outgoing chairman, were spotted going after him, while the youths rained abuses at him.
Some of the youth were heard shouting, “That is he, Allwell, Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor {as he is fondly called} is running. Chase him. Are you mad? God punish you.
“Don’t run, come, you will see pressure. We are not afraid of you. You are mad. Thunder will fire you.”
But some of his security details were seen trying to calm the youths who refused to listen to them, saying, ” Why is he running?”
Recall that the state ALGON had vowed not to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure on June 17.
The LG chairmen, who were elected under the administration of Nyesom Wike as governor, had cited the local government amendment law made by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
The law extends the tenure of the council chairmen by six months due to the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to conduct local government elections.
The Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister have been having a running battle with Fubara, due to the disagreement between him and his predecessor.
…As Gov Fubara directs admin heads to take over 23 LGAs
This is even as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas of the state.
This follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday morning.
The broadcast was captured in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
The governor said, “I wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the law.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas.
“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together. ”
The governor promised to continue to defend the people of the state and provide basic amenities for them.
He added, “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.
“Once again, I thank you, my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity{agency}./PLEASE SHARE
