The Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called off its planned mass protest against the police. The protest was aimed at challenging the police’s continued barricade of local government secretariats. NULGE President Clifford Paul initially announced the protest, giving the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a four-day ultimatum to remove the police from the 23 local councils. This move was supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
On Sunday night, the police issued a warning against the planned protest, threatening to make arrests if it proceeded. Following this warning, the organized labor announced that the protest had been suspended. Rivers State TUC Chairman, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, confirmed the cancellation in a statement, saying that the labor unions would seek alternative means to address their grievances.
“We hereby step down all our planned peaceful protests slated for Monday. It is now clear to us that Rivers State has known enemies. There is no war in Rivers State. The state is enjoying peace,” Onyefuru stated. “As organized labor, we have suspended all our actions. However, we will continue to pursue by legitimate means a process to get our workers back to work.”
Former Chairmen Defy Orders
Meanwhile, on Monday, former chairmen from 21 of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State staged a protest at their respective council offices. These former officials, who were elected during Nyesom Wike’s tenure as governor, cited the Local Government Amendment and Administrative Law No. 2 of 2024, which extended their term by six months. This extension was due to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to conduct local elections. Accompanied by their supporters, they occupied the council secretariats, expressing solidarity with the police barricades.
George Ariolu, the former chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, led a group of residents to the police barricades, declaring their intent to defend democracy and uphold the rule of law. “We are democrats and we must defend this democracy. The beauty of democracy is the rule of law. That is what we stand to defend,” Ariolu said. “The police are here to maintain law and order. Their constitutional duty is to protect lives and property. So when we heard that some people wanted to come and cause mayhem, we decided to say we won’t stand, fold our arms, and see it happen.”
Calls for Peace and Order
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike also led a group of supporters to the police barricade in Isiokpo. He asserted that he remained the legitimate chairman of the council and had nearly six months left in office according to the new law. Nwanosike accused members of the caretaker committees of attempting to intimidate the police into vacating the council premises. “Nothing on earth will make us break the laws of Nigeria and nothing on earth will make us disobey your orders,” Nwanosike declared. “We have been patient with the Nigerian police even when it hurts us, we still understand that the constitution is the grund norm and the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.”
The Area Commander in Port Harcourt commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and urged them not to engage in actions that would breach the peace. “We appreciate your peaceful conduct and urge you to continue in this manner. Let us ensure that we maintain law and order during this period of tension,” the Area Commander said.
As the crisis continues, stakeholders in Rivers State are eagerly awaiting the court’s decision, which will determine the rightful occupants of the council offices. In the meantime, the police remain stationed at the council secretariats to prevent any further conflict.
Source: Punch
