Youths in Degema Local Government Area took over the council headquarters on Monday, demanding the chairmen vacate their positions, following the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in Rivers State.
The occupation occurred as local government chairmen, under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), vowed to remain in office.
They cited a Local Government Amendment Law, passed by the 27-member House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, which empowers them to extend their tenure by six months.
However, Governor Fubara, speaking at an event in Port Harcourt, warned the LG chairmen not to disrupt the state’s peace, indicating they had only a few days left in office.
According to The Punch, the state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, assured that the police are monitoring the situation and urged everyone to maintain peace.