- Suspected thugs set four local government secretariats in Rivers State on fire
- Austin Tam-George, a former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, accused Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of attempting to destabilise the state
- Reports indicated that gunfire from thugs at various local government secretariats resulted in at least five deaths
In a shocking development, suspected armed thugs in Rivers State have intensified the ongoing political crisis by attacking and setting fire to council secretariats in four local government areas (LGAs).
Reacting to the incident, Austin Tam-George, a former Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information, has levelled serious accusations against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, claiming that he is working to destabilise the state.
Tam-George accuses Wike of orchestrating instability in Rivers state
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, October 7, the former commissioner who served in Wike’s administration said, “I’m very disappointed in what the minister is doing. He’s the one orchestrating this. He’s the one who has set forth a process to destabilise the state.
“I was commissioner for information in the previous administration and so I’m highly disappointed in the minister. What I expected him to do was to, you know, focus on his mandate. He’s got a clear administrative mandate in the FCT. The FCT has one of the worst public schools in Nigeria.”
“He has a full plate there to deliver service. But he’s not doing that. Instead, he’s focusing on how to destabilise River State, and obviously, Rivers people are going to resist him every time. What I expected the FCT minister to do was to say, ‘Look, I’ve had my time in government. Now, I’ve got to focus on what I have in Abuja.”
Shooting, four council secretariats set ablaze in Rivers State
The violent unrest has intensified, with reports indicating that gunfire from thugs at various local government secretariats has led to at least five reported fatalities. The ongoing shootings have created an atmosphere of fear and panic among residents in the affected communities.
As of noon on Monday, October 7, four council secretariats, including Eleme, Emohua, Ikwerre, and Etche, had been set on fire. Reports indicate that thugs stormed the Eleme council secretariat around 11 a.m., igniting parts of the building and preventing the newly sworn-in chairman from accessing his office.
Sources also revealed that the thugs targeted the Ikwerre council secretariat in Isiokpo, claiming that last Saturday’s local government election was illegal. In a related incident at Emohua LGA, violence erupted when youths attacked the secretariat immediately after newly appointed chairman David Omereji inaugurated his deputy, Patient Ebere, along with 14 councillors.
Attackers use explosives in assault, causing significant damage to council building
The attackers reportedly threw multiple explosives, suspected to be dynamite, into the building, causing significant damage.
While the state police have yet to state the attacks, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi has made it clear that they will not engage in a media conflict with Governor Fubara regarding the ongoing political crisis.
Tam-George claimed that Wike is engaging in efforts to sow instability in Rivers State. He emphasised that Wike's actions are not only damaging to the present administration but also endanger the state's overall peace and security.
Rivers Crisis: President Tinubu calls for restraint and legal resolution
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu urged Rivers State political leaders to resolve disputes legally amid rising violence.
Tinubu directs police to secure public facilities and restore order following reports of vandalism and unrest.