In a bold move, youths from the Kalabari ethnic group occupied the council secretariats in Degema, Asari-Toru, and Akuku-Toru local government areas, demanding the immediate exit of the council chairmen.
The youths, who blocked the entrance to the complexes, requested traders to leave the premises, insisting that the chairmen’s tenure had expired.
Former Niger Delta agitator Asari Dokubo has weighed in on the issue, urging the elected chairmen to vacate office by midnight on Monday, in accordance with the Local Government Law of 2018.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful transitions and cautioned youths against being recruited to disrupt the peace.
As the political landscape in Rivers State remains tense, the youths’ takeover of the council secretariats has sparked concerns about potential conflicts.
However, Asari Dokubo’s call for peaceful transitions has been echoed by the Muslim community, who visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara to emphasize the need for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
According to Channels TV, the Vice President General of the Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his inclusive approach to religious diversity.
He noted that there have been no attacks on the Muslim community nor conflicts with other religious organisations.
Governor Fubara in his speech encouraged the Muslim community to show love and care for one another.
He promised to foster more peaceful coexistence among all religious groups in the state.
Fubara also pledged to address the requests of Muslim leaders, including the construction of a central mosque in Port Harcourt and the establishment of a mosque at Rivers State University for Muslim students.
The governor noted that the preaching of the word of God can lead to behavioural changes that reduce crime rates.
Reflecting on his achievements, which the Muslim community acknowledged, Governor Fubara mentioned that public opinion rates him as the best-performing first-term governor.
He vowed to maintain the momentum to leave a better Rivers State. He urged the Muslim community to continue praying for his administration, expressing confidence that with God’s support, he has the majority’s backing.
The Rivers State Governor stressed that his opponents might attempt to disrupt his efforts, but assured that they would not succeed in their negative plans.
