The former chairmen of 21 out of the 23 local government areas in Rivers state staged protests on Monday at their various council areas despite the warning by the State Police Command against such protests.
The former council bosses loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, protested in their council areas waving placards with inscriptions asking the police to continue occupying the council headquarters.
In Buguma, the council headquarters of the Asari-Toru LGA, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George, alongside his supporters, marched through the streets of the town as they gyrated to songs in Wike’s solidarity.
The protest almost turned violent at Asari-Toru Local Government Area when some men believed to be operatives of Asari Dokubo’s private military company, known as Amama soldiers, attempted to attack the protesters but they were swiftly restrained by policemen who were on ground.
Similar demonstrations were also carried out at Abonnema, the Akuku-Toru LGA council headquarters were some persons staged a protest, backing the continued closure of council premises by the police.
The police took over the 23 LGA council secretariats of the oil-rich state last Tuesday following the crisis that erupted over the three-year tenure expiration of the former chairmen resulting in three deaths.