Following the initial turmoil experienced yesterday due to a series of crises in Rivers State, normalcy has now returned as most of the elected council chairmen resumed their duties early this morning.
Daily Query reports that many of the elected chairmen, who were sworn in by the state Governor, Sim Fubara, just two days prior, returned to work accompanied by their supporters and well-wishers.
Notably, this took place despite the conspicuous absence of the Nigerian police.
One of the newly elected chairmen, Israel Abosi, who heads the Ikwerre Local Government, arrived at the council secretariat in Isiokpo this morning. He was seen alongside his deputy and newly elected councillors, supported by a large crowd that included members of the local vigilante group. Some vigilante members were visibly armed and were firing gunshots into the air as a show of support.
The situation had escalated dramatically yesterday when both the Ikwere and Emohua Local Government Council secretariats were set ablaze. This chaos followed the withdrawal of police officers who had been securing the 23 council secretariats, a decision made by the commissioner of police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Despite widespread rumors of potential attacks on local government facilities, the chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government, Ezebunwo Ichemah, along with his deputy and other elected council lawmakers, also resumed their duties this morning.
This resilience highlights the determination of local leaders to restore order and continue their governance amidst ongoing challenges.
