Tensions Rise in Port Harcourt as LGA Chairman Faces Resistance Amid Heavy Shooting
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A tense standoff erupted at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA) premises on Tuesday morning as heavy shooting ensued following an attempt by the LGA Chairman, Hon. Allwell Ihundah, to access his office.
Businesses in the area swiftly shut down as panic spread. The incident began when Ihundah, accompanied by his security personnel, arrived at the council secretariat but was blocked by youths who had occupied the premises since Monday.
The turmoil follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors on June 17, as stipulated by the Constitution. Despite this, the LGA officials have refused to vacate their offices, citing a purported amendment to the Local Government Administration Law by the State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
However, a recent ruling by a State High Court in Port Harcourt voided this amendment, which had extended the tenure of the elected chairmen by six months. Governor Siminialayi Fubara, in a statewide broadcast this morning, officially bid farewell to the outgoing chairmen and councilors, affirming that their legal term had ended.
In defiance of the court ruling and the Governor's announcement, Ihundah reportedly attempted to retrieve some personal belongings from the council secretariat. His efforts were thwarted by the youths, leading to a confrontation where police officers accompanying him fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, which only intensified the situation.
As the conflict unfolded, the youths resisted the security actions, further escalating the tension. Authorities are yet to issue a statement regarding the incident, and the situation remains volatile.
Residents and business owners in the area are advised to stay alert and avoid the vicinity of the LGA secretariat until calm is restored.
