By Kalada Jumbo
In a dramatic turn of events, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Rivers State, Allwell Ihunda, narrowly escaped what could have been a deadly encounter with rampaging thugs in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The outgoing Chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area was forced to flee for his life when an angry mob of political thugs besieged the council secretariat on Moscow Road.
The Unfolding Drama
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred as Ihunda, accompanied by his aides and security details, was making his way to the council secretariat. He had just alighted from his vehicle when he encountered a large group of thugs blocking the entrance. The atmosphere quickly turned hostile as the thugs began shouting and advancing towards him aggressively.
Witnesses report that Ihunda’s security detail acted swiftly, forming a protective barrier around him and firing shots into the air to disperse the advancing mob. Despite their efforts, the situation escalated rapidly, forcing Ihunda to retreat to his vehicle amidst a barrage of insults and threats from the enraged thugs.
A Narrow Escape
The tension reached a boiling point as Ihunda managed to jump into a black SUV, with his aides and security team following closely behind. The thugs, undeterred by the warning shots, continued their pursuit, shouting, “That is him, Allwell. Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor is running. Chase him. Are you mad? God punish you.”
Ihunda’s vehicle, along with a white van believed to be carrying his aides, sped off from the scene, while the thugs continued to fire shots into the air and hurl abuses. Despite the chaotic and dangerous situation, Ihunda and his team managed to escape unscathed, but the incident has left the community in shock and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of local government officials in Rivers State.
Political Turmoil and Tenure Extension
This violent episode comes against the backdrop of a broader political crisis in Rivers State. The tenure of the local government chairmen, elected during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, officially expired on June 17. However, the ALGON chairmen have refused to vacate their offices, citing an amendment to the local government law by the House of Assembly. The amendment, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, extended their tenure by six months due to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to conduct local government elections.
This legislative move has further complicated the already tense political landscape in Rivers State. The Assembly’s decision to extend the chairmen’s tenure has been met with resistance from Governor Fubara, who directed the heads of local government administration to take charge of council affairs starting June 19, pending further directives.
A Governor Under Siege
The political crisis in Rivers State is not limited to local government chairmen alone. Governor Fubara himself has been at the center of a fierce power struggle, narrowly surviving an impeachment attempt last year. The attempted impeachment, driven by allegations of gross misconduct, has exacerbated the political instability in the state.
In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Fubara reiterated his directive for local government administration heads to assume control of council affairs, underscoring the gravity of the situation. “The heads of local government administration are to take charge of council affairs from Wednesday, June 19th, pending further directives,” he declared.
The Roots of Discontent
The animosity between the local government chairmen and the state government stems from a deep-seated mistrust and power struggle that has been simmering for months. The chairmen, many of whom owe their positions to former Governor Wike, view the extension of their tenure as a legitimate move to ensure continuity and stability in local governance. However, Governor Fubara and his allies see it as an attempt to undermine his authority and maintain a power base loyal to his predecessor.
The People’s Plight
Amidst this political turmoil, the residents of Rivers State are caught in the crossfire. The chaotic scenes at the council secretariat are symptomatic of a broader breakdown in governance and order, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the instability. The thugs’ brazen attack on Ihunda highlights the pervasive lawlessness and insecurity that plagues the region, leaving many residents fearful for their safety.
Calls for Justice and Reform
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Civil society groups and concerned citizens have condemned the attack on Ihunda, urging the authorities to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This is an assault on democracy and the rule of law,” said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group. “We demand a thorough investigation into this incident and the prosecution of those responsible.”
There are also growing calls for comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of the political crisis in Rivers State. Analysts argue that the state’s political system needs to be overhauled to promote transparency, accountability, and effective governance. “The current situation is unsustainable,” said a political analyst. “There needs to be a concerted effort to rebuild trust between the government and the governed, and to ensure that political officeholders are held accountable for their actions.”
A Path Forward
As Rivers State grapples with this crisis, the need for dialogue and reconciliation has never been more urgent. Stakeholders from all sides must come together to find a peaceful resolution to the impasse, one that prioritizes the welfare and security of the people above political interests. The thugs’ attack on Ihunda is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and order in the region, and the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore stability.
Conclusion
The dramatic events in Port Harcourt underscore the volatility of the political landscape in Rivers State. The attack on ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda by rampaging thugs highlights the deep-seated tensions and mistrust that have come to define local politics. As the state navigates this turbulent period, the need for justice, reform, and reconciliation is paramount. Only through a collective commitment to these principles can Rivers State hope to emerge from this crisis stronger and more united.
Kalada Jumbo is Atlantic Post Political Correspondent.
Discover more from Atlantic Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.