In a dramatic turn of evnts, angry youths stormed the Rivers State secretariat today, chasing the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State chapter, Allwell Ihunda, from the premises.
Ihunda, who also serves as the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, narrowly escaped the ire of the protesters as he attempted to enter the council secretariat with his aides and security team.
Eyewitnesses reported that upon arrival, Ihunda encountered a barricade formed by aggrieved youths who swiftly approached him.
In a bid to evade the advancing crowd, Ihunda dashed back towards his vehicle, while his security personnel fired shots into the air to disperse the protesters.
Ultimately, Ihunda managed to flee in a black SUV accompanied by his aides, closely pursued by two other vehicles, including a white Hilux Van believed to belong to his team. The infuriated youths continued to shout and hurl insults as the vehicles departed.
The chaotic scene unfolded amidst tensions over the expiration of Ihunda’s tenure, which he had vowed not to vacate following the passage of a local government amendment law.
This legislation, enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, extended the chairmen’s tenure by six months due to the delay in conducting local government elections by Governor Siminlayi Fubara’s administration.
The situation remains tense as security forces attempt to restore order at the Rivers State secretariat.