Rivers State: Eleme LGA Secretariat set ablaze
In a shocking turn of events, a section of the Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) secretariat in Rivers State has been set ablaze, raising alarm bells over potential unrest in the region. This incident comes on the heels of the inauguration of Brain Gokpa, the newly elected chairman of Eleme LGA, amplifying fears of escalating political tensions within the community.
Eyewitness reports from Channels Television reveal that Gokpa, accompanied by several councillors and a group of supporters, arrived at the local government secretariat only to find parts of the complex engulfed in flames. The sight of the destruction, which occurred shortly after his inauguration, has left many residents shaken and questioning the stability of the local political landscape.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting calls from community leaders and residents alike for swift action from local authorities. Former Ambassador Oji Ngofa, a native of Eleme, expressed deep concern about the implications of the incident. In a phone conversation with Channels Television, he warned that the fire could exacerbate existing political rivalries, potentially leading to further violence in Rivers State’s local government areas. “We need to be vigilant,” Ngofa cautioned, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation in a community already grappling with political divides.
Adding to the turmoil, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. This directive, confirmed by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, has further fueled concerns among residents. The newly deployed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, conveyed the IGP’s decision, stating that all police personnel previously assigned to secure the local government secretariats were to be withdrawn immediately.
The combination of the fire at the Eleme secretariat and the police withdrawal has left residents on high alert. Many fear that these events could lead to broader unrest, with political tensions already simmering beneath the surface. “We are scared,” one resident remarked. “This incident could spark something much bigger if not handled properly.”
In response to the crisis, newly elected local government officials and the state government are expected to address the situation promptly. Security measures are likely to be implemented to ensure the safety of the Eleme community, as well as to restore confidence among the residents.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering about the future of governance in Eleme and the potential implications for Rivers State as a whole. Will the local government be able to stabilize the community, or will this incident mark the beginning of a more turbulent chapter in Eleme’s political history?
The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of events in Eleme LGA, and the community is watching closely as officials respond to this alarming incident.
