- Two blasts were reported during the Rivers State local government elections
- New council chairmen, sworn in by Governor Fubara, are faced with potential disruption
- Wike faction allegedly recruited youths to block council secretariats
The Nyesom Wike political group in Rivers State has reportedly organised youths across the state, planning to storm the council secretariats to hinder the new chairmen from accessing their offices.
According to sources cited by Sahara Reporters, on Monday, October 6, the Wike faction allegedly recruited 20 youths from each ward, offering them N15,000 each to obstruct the council secretariats and block Governor Siminalayi Fubara's group from gaining entry.
Wike group allegedly mobilises youths to block council secretariats
“There is the possibility of a crisis in Rivers State on Monday. Fubara is swearing in the chairmen of local government councils elected at the weekend to resume work on Monday.
“Meanwhile, the Wike group is mobilising 20 youths paid N15,000 each from each ward to block the various council secretariats to prevent the Fubara group from entering.”
The newly elected council chairmen were sworn in by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a ceremony on Sunday, October 6 at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Police confirm two explosions during local government elections
The Wike group, as reported by Sahara Reporters, has fully orchestrated a plan to stop the elected officials from gaining access to the council secretariats today.
The state police command confirmed on Saturday, October 5 that two explosions occurred during the local government elections.
The police reported that the initial explosion took place at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat on Aba Road, followed by a second blast at the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat near Port Harcourt.
The incidents happened almost concurrently, as noted by the police command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko.
Anti-bomb squads deployed to locations after explosions
“The first explosion was reported at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road at approximately 3:00 AM. A security guard heard a loud bang, and upon investigation, observed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene. The explosion caused significant damage, destroying the gate, shattering the windows, and setting the security building on fire.
“The second explosion occurred at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black Toyota Hilux van and a white Toyota Sienna minivan drive past the secretariat. The occupants allegedly threw an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which shattered the roof and damaged the generator house of the complex.
“In response to these incidents, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Anti-Bomb Squad were mobilised to both locations.”
Governor Fubara, others chase police away from RISIEC office
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Armed police officers were chased away by a large crowd outside the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) office.
Governor Similanya Fubara arrived on the scene, accusing the Inspector-General of Police of attempting to disrupt the local government elections.