Protesting youths on Tuesday pulled down a statue of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State.
Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers, was also Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA from 1999 to 2007.
A viral video sighted by this reporter on the X platform showed the youths numbering above 10 gathering around and castigating the minister.
Addressing someone who appeared as the leader of the group, one of the youths can be heard saying in the Ikwerre language: “Presido, let’s remove this thing (effigy). Just give me order.”
Several of the youths could be observed laying their hands on the statue, shaking it vigorously and pulling it from its base.
In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday morning, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the tenure of the elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors who were elected and sworn in three years ago expired on Monday, June 17.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.
“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” Fubara said.