Angry youths in Obi Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State demolished a statue of Nyesom Wike, former Governor of the state and current Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
This act came amid escalating tensions over the tenure extension of local government chairmen in the state, who are aligned with Wike.
The conflict between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike has been brewing since 2023, stemming from a power struggle over control of the state’s political landscape.
The situation escalated when the chairmen, supported by Wike’s faction in the Rivers House of Assembly, refused to step down after their tenure officially ended on Monday. Governor Fubara responded by ordering them to vacate their offices immediately.
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In a move to enforce his directive, Governor Fubara addressed the state in a broadcast, instructing all 23 local government chairmen to hand over their responsibilities to administrative heads within their councils.
Shortly after the broadcast, Ijaw youths mobilized across the state, barricading local government secretariats to prevent the chairmen from accessing their offices.
The unfolding events underscore the deepening political rift in Rivers State, as factions loyal to either Fubara or Wike vie for dominance amidst governance challenges.
The destruction of Wike’s statue marks a symbolic escalation in the power struggle that continues to grip the state’s political landscape.
The protesters, who were at the Obi Akpor LG secretariat, where Wike once served as chairman, destroyed his statue, chanting “No more Wike”.
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