In a decisive response to escalating political violence in Rivers State, the new Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Bala, launched a series of inspection visits to local government council secretariats affected by recent unrest. This initiative, which took place on Wednesday, follows a turbulent period marked by clashes over newly elected local government officials.
Bala's day began with a meeting with Chijioke Ihunwo at the Obio/Akpor council in Rumuodumaya, where tensions have been high. He then traveled to Emohua, where he personally assessed the damage inflicted during the violence, before proceeding to Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA and the Eleme local government area.
In a footage from the inspection sighted by our Correspondent, Bala was seen accompanied by unarmed civilians and armed security personnel as he moved through the devastated council secretariats. His presence underscores a commitment to restoring order and ensuring safety in a region rife with political turmoil.
The backdrop to these inspections is a series of violent confrontations that erupted in at least four local government areas. In Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, council premises were set ablaze, while sporadic gunfire erupted in Ahoada East as opponents resisted the installation of new council officials. These incidents highlight the volatile environment following the recent local government elections, which saw significant contention among political parties.
The turmoil was exacerbated when Commissioner Bala withdrew police officers securing the 23 council secretariats, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from political rivals. Despite the heightened tensions, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was adamant about proceeding with the elections, held last Saturday, which culminated in a sweeping victory for the Action People’s Party (APP), winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions. The Action Alliance (AA) secured the remaining seat.
Following the elections, Fubara swiftly inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday. However, the celebratory mood quickly soured as some council leaders faced violent opposition immediately after taking office. Reports indicate that several secretariats were set ablaze in a clear message of dissent from political adversaries.
This surge in violence poses serious questions about the stability of governance in Rivers State. As tensions remain high, the community watches closely to see how Commissioner Bala will navigate these challenges and restore peace. His inspection tours serve as a critical first step in addressing the unrest and reaffirming the police’s role in safeguarding democracy.
