The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Allwell Ihunda, narrowly escaped death as protesting youths chased him along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Ihunda was reportedly en route to the council secretariat with some of his aides and security personnel when he encountered disgruntled youths.
Upon reaching the council entrance, Ihunda disembarked from his vehicle and attempted to enter the premises, but the youths had formed a blockade.
Upon seeing Ihunda, the youths rushed toward him as he made a dash for his vehicle, with his security personnel firing shots into the air to disperse them and protect him.
Ihunda quickly entered a black SUV escorted by aides and sped away, while the youths continued to hurl insults at him.
Two other vehicles, including a white Hilux Van believed to belong to his aides, were seen following him as the youths gave chase.
Among the shouting youths were phrases like “There he is, Allwell. Chase him. Who does he think he is? Look at him, Mayor, he’s running. Chase him. Don’t run, come back, you will face consequences. We are not afraid of you.”
Despite efforts by his security personnel to pacify the agitated youths, they persisted, questioning, “Why is he running?”
It should be noted that the state ALGON had vowed to remain in office after the end of their term on June 17.
The local government chairmen, elected during the tenure of Governor Nyesom Wike, referenced the local government amendment law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which extended their tenure by six months due to the absence of local government elections conducted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The conflict between Fubara and his predecessor exacerbated the political crisis in the state, with the Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers aligned with the FCT minister clashing with Fubara, who survived an impeachment attempt last year.
Rivers state Omuma Council has been taken over by the Rivers people. Rivers state is fully for Gov Sim. No put body of e no sure for you 🤣🤣
— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) June 18, 2024
