Escalating violence: Police officer, one vigilance operator killed

…As Fubara meets with security chiefs, rejects suspected clampdown of his supporters

…No evidence of resistance from Pro-Wike youths

An emergency security council meeting has been held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the escalating crisis in some local councils of the state.

One police officer and a vigilance operative have been confirmed killed in the crisis. The Rivers State police command has confirmed the deaths but did not give details.

Read also: Police take over all LGA secretariats in Rivers

Some sources said the killing took place in Omuma LGA and that police from the Government House unit may be involved in a fracas that led to the situation.

Photos of injured persons have also emerged on social media but the Rivers APC boss, Tony Okocha, said the dogs have been let loose in the state, meaning that thugs, not youths, were the ones on rampage. The summoning of the security council meeting was said to be in response to escalating political tension in the state following the expiration of the tenure of the local government chairmen in the state.

The closed-door session was said to have focused on recent disturbances at local government secretariats and the overall security situation in the state.

Addressing reporters after the closed-door meeting, Governor Fubara said the meeting was to devise effective strategies to prevent further invasion of local government offices.

The governor added that one of the agenda of the meeting was to ensure the stability and continuity of governmental functions across the state.

Fubara, therefore, warned the immediate past council chairmen against planning to unlawfully return to their previous positions.

He stated, “It is crucial that we respect the rule of law and the democratic transitions that uphold our governance structures.”

Fubara raised the alarm over an alleged plot by his political adversaries to target and arrest his supporters, promising to safeguard all residents of the state and their properties.

He added, “Anyone attempting to make such arrests will have to confront me directly.”

Violence erupted when most council chairmen locked up the secretariats in their decision not to leave office because of the alleged extension offered them by the Martins Amaewhule faction (defected) lawmakers.

Read also: Rivers Crisis: Council tenure expiration: Police officer, one other killed

Governor Fubara sounded furious, saying whatever it takes to preserve his supporters would be done. He said the law made it clear there was no extension of tenure, and that their tenures had elapsed.

“Whoever is assuring them of extension is lying. Whatever it takes to maintain peace I will do it. We do not know anybody in Abuja. We only know the media in Rivers State.”

There have been injured persons but APC sources said they were passersby.

There is no evidence of resistance by the APC group so far. The police is said to occupy some secretariats such as Obio/Akpor where the head bust statue of former governor, Nyesom Wike, has been pulled down.

Other sources said matters may come to a head on June 20, when the Appeal Court in PH may make a declaration on the case.