Police storm Rivers LG secretariats over controversy over chairmen’s tenure

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The bubble has burst again in Rivers State as policemen stormed the secretariats of four local government councils over controversy of the tenure of LG chairmen in the state.

Specifically, police vans were stationed at the entrances of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East and Ogu/Bolo LGAs.

Also, youths in Degema and Asari/Toru LGAs occupied their council secretariats in protest against the extension of the tenure of the LG chairmen earlier.

Viral videos on social media showed the protesting youths chanting solidarity songs in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who insisted that tenure of the council chairmen had expired.

The affected LG chairmen are loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, whose tenure had been extended by six months via an amended Local Government Law Number 5 of 2018 by the 27 factional lawmakers of the state House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule as Speaker.

This extension was, however, nullified by a Rivers State High Court ruling on May 21, 2024, which declared the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 as inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

Despite the court’s ruling, the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Samuel Nwanosike, has vowed to remain in office.

Two LG chairmen from Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro, who are loyal to Fubara, celebrated the expiration of their tenures with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

Tinubu jets out to Pretoria for inauguration of Ramaphosa

President Bola Tinubu is jetting out from Lagos on Tuesday to Pretoria, South Africa, for the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

A statement on Monday by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, confirmed that President Tinubu will be Pretoria for the inauguration of his South African counterpart, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa.

Ramaphosa’s inauguration is holding after his re-election for a second term, following a historic coalition government formed by the African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.

The ANC, which led the anti-apartheid struggle, won only 40% of the vote in the May 29 general election, losing its absolute majority in parliament for the first time. However, the party successfully formed a government of national unity through a coalition deal.

Tinubu’s presence at the inauguration ceremony underscores the importance of Nigeria-South Africa relations, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and regional security.

The two nations have a long-standing relationship, with South Africa being one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.

During his visit, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with Ramaphosa, focusing on issues such as economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional integration. The two leaders will also discuss pressing global issues, including climate change, poverty, and inequality.

After the ceremony, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria, bringing back valuable insights and opportunities for further collaboration between the two nations.