Protesting youths in Rivers State took matters into their own hands on Tuesday, pulling down a statue of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Obio-Akpor local government area.
Wike, who served as a two-term governor of Rivers, also held the position of Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA from 1999 to 2007.
A viral video captured the moment when more than ten youths gathered around the statue, expressing their disapproval of the minister. In the Ikwerre language, one of the youths addressed someone who appeared to be the group’s leader, saying, “Presido, let’s remove this thing (effigy). Just give me the order.” The youths then proceeded to shake the statue vigorously and pull it from its base.
The incident occurred amidst an ongoing crisis over the tenure of outgoing local government chairmen in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday morning, declared that the elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors, who were sworn in three years ago, had their terms expire on Monday, June 17.
Governor Fubara emphasized the need to uphold the constitution and maintain law and order. He directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to take charge of the councils promptly, ensuring renewed leadership and readiness to serve.
