Mohammed Shosanya
Youths on Monday barricaded some Rivers council secretariats main entrances, demanding the Chairmen exit from office as their tenures elaps.
Twenty one of the 23 local government Chairmen of the state vowed to remain in office beyond the end of the three-year term which elapsed on June 17.
The chairmen hinged their decision to remain in office on an amended Rivers Assembly Law which extended the council chairmen and councillors’ tenures by six months, should the Governor fail to conduct fresh local council elections, despite the fact that a state High Court had nullified the law citing its inconsistency with the constitution.
Police vans were also spotted at some council secretariats entrances in a bid to avert possible breakdown of law and order at the secretariats following the development.
The youths in the early hours of Monday barricaded the main entrance of Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, preventing everyone from gaining access.
The youths,who chanted solidarity songs are the council secretariats vowed to prevent the chairmen and councillors from gaining access to the premises.
Police vans were sighted at the Port Harcourt City Council, Obio Akpor and Ogu/Bolo LGA Secretariats.
Earlier, the Emohua council chairman, Chidi Lloyd had announced in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bright Jossy that the council will begin the distribution of cutlasses and hoes to farmers from Tuesday 18 June and it’s expected to last for one week.
His Khana LGA counterpart, Bariere Thomas announced a one-week clean-up exercise in the council billed to commence from Tuesday June 18.
In Ikwerre LGA, the chairman, Nwanosike Samuel has announced a one week cultural festival in the council begining Tuesday June 18.
The Eleme council Chairman, Barilormate Ollor was seen in a video circulating online,warning youths and others to steer clear of the council secretariat.
An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt had Friday ordered Martins Amaewhule and 25 other lawmakers and other parties involved in the matter to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
