A tense situation unfolded in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Monday, October 7, 2024, as the newly sworn-in chairman, Mr. Chibudom Hezekiah, alongside councilors and supporters, faced disruption upon attempting to enter the council premises. The council’s gate was blocked, reportedly orchestrated by the former chairman, Benjamin Eke, leaving a large crowd gathered at the entrance to the local government council secretariat.
The blockade, which took place early in the morning, was linked to Eke, a known loyalist of Rivers State’s former governor, Nyesom Wike. The newly elected chairman, Hezekiah, accused Eke of attempting to undermine the will of the people, noting that the recent local government elections reflected the voice of the electorate. He further stated that the people had voted for change, and no individual ambition should stand in the way of that.
In a phone interview, Benjamin Eke admitted responsibility for the disruption, stating it was a protest against the elections, which he claimed were invalid due to a court order from Abuja. Eke insisted that the elections should not have proceeded, as they violated legal directives.
Despite the disruption, jubilant scenes followed as the newly elected councilors proceeded with their swearing-in ceremony. Afterward, they moved to their chambers for their first official sitting as council members.
Mr. Chibudom called on the federal government to intervene in the ongoing political tensions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting constitutional processes. In response to the incident, security agencies later confirmed the reopening of all 23 local government council secretariats across Rivers State, following the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Report by: Believe Ovara Iruoghene
Edited by: Chris-Edesiri Odjomah