Group asks LG chairpersons not to cause chaos in Rivers

The Coalition for Democracy and Change in Nigeria (CDCN) has alleged that some local government chairpersons in Rivers are planning to instigate chaos and violence in the state.

In a statement, Rotimi Adewole, leader of the coalition, warned against any attempt to cause anarchy.

Adewole said the LGA chairmen will be held accountable in the event of a breakdown of law and order.

“The Coalition for Democracy and Change in Nigeria, a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance, is alarmed by credible information revealing plots by some Local government chairmen in Rivers State to instigate chaos and a breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement reads.

“According to our sources, these chairmen, allegedly working in cahoots with certain political interests, aim to disrupt the peace and stability of Rivers State through violent means, including attacks on political opponents, destruction of property, and other forms of violence.

“We are deeply concerned about this development and its potential to undermine the democratic process, threaten the safety and security of citizens, and destabilise the entire region.

“This dangerous plot is a desperate attempt to destabilise the state and pave the way for their selfish gains.

“The chairmen’s actions are a clear violation of their oath of office and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people.

“Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to destabilise the state: we will hold you accountable for your actions, and we will not rest until peace and stability are restored in Rivers State.

“Any attempt to instigate violence, vandalism, or chaos will not be tolerated and will face the full wrath of the law.

“We, therefore, urge the relevant authorities, including security agencies and the Rivers State Government, to take immediate action to prevent this plot from materialising.”

The group also called on all political actors “to prioritise peace, tolerance, and the rule of law, and to refrain from any actions that could compromise the stability and well-being of the state and its people”.

“The people of Rivers State should not be at the receiving end of certain political interests, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are protected,” the statement added.

The coalition called on security agencies to monitor the actions of political actors in the state to avert any form of violence.

BACKGROUND

On May 8, the Rivers chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) accused Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, of withholding funds meant for the LGAs since April 2024.

Allwell Ihunda, chairman of ALGON in Rivers, said Fubara “deliberately refused” to hold the joint account allocation committee meeting in the state.

Ihunda, who is also the chairman of Port Harcourt LGA, said the Rivers governor is “starving the third tier of government of the needed funds to discharge their functions”.

Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), have been at loggerheads over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift between the duo ignited political tension in the state and caused the polarisation of the state house of assembly.

Subsequently, commissioners loyal to Wike resigned their positions in Fubara’s cabinet.

On Monday, former President Goodluck Jonathan asked Wike and Fubara to settle their differences and work for the good of the state.