The newly inaugurated chairperson of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has ordered the removal of the name of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from a building at the council’s secretariat. This decision marks a significant shift in local governance, reflecting changing political dynamics in the region.
The administrative block, which was formerly named after Wike, will now be called “Obi Wali House.” This renaming is symbolic and signifies a departure from the legacy of the former governor and minister, highlighting Ihunwo’s intention to establish his authority and direction for the local government.
Ihunwo issued this directive on Monday during his visit to the council secretariat, just hours after suspected hoodlums set fire to the Ikwerre and Emohua local government secretariats. This act of vandalism underscores the tense atmosphere in the area and the ongoing struggles related to local governance and security.
This order is one of Ihunwo’s first official actions following his election in a local poll held on Saturday. The police had previously declined to provide security during the elections, citing a court order, which heightened tensions in the area and raised concerns about the safety and fairness of the electoral process. However, following the conclusion of the election, the police lifted the seal on all council secretariats in the state, allowing Ihunwo to assume his role as chairperson effectively.
The hoodlums, who attacked the two local government secretariats, struck after police officers vacated the premises, causing significant damage in the absence of security operatives. This incident has raised alarms about the safety of local government assets and personnel, emphasizing the need for a more robust security strategy in the area.
Ihunwo addressed the situation in a video posted on his X handle on Monday, stating, “I want to advise Rivers State Police Command, let them be neutral. For this local government, we will protect and die; they have burnt Ikwerre and Emohua (council secretariats). We are ready for them.” This declaration illustrates his commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of his jurisdiction, showcasing a readiness to confront any threats that may arise.
As he pointed to the top of a duplex in the council secretariat, which had the inscription “Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ADMIN BLOCK,” he stated, “This name here is no longer relevant. He (Wike) does not allow the people to rest. On that note, as the chairperson of the council, I have renamed it Obi Wali House.” His announcement was met with cheers, indicating support from those present and a desire for change within the local government.
Ihunwo further mentioned that the changes would be implemented the following morning, asserting confidence in his decision and daring anyone to challenge it. This bold move sets a precedent for his leadership style and priorities as he embarks on his tenure as chairperson.
Wike first served as chairperson of Obio/Akpor local government council for two terms, ending in 2007. He was thereafter appointed as chief of staff to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, a position he held before becoming the minister of state for Education under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Wike’s political journey has been significant, and his influence in the state remains noteworthy, even amid current tensions.
Jonathan’s wife, Patience, who hails from Rivers State, played a crucial role in Wike’s ascent to the governorship of the oil-rich state in 2015. Wike was reelected in 2019 and served until 2023 before being appointed as the minister of FCT by President Bola Tinubu. His political maneuvers have drawn both support and criticism, particularly from his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with whom he has been engaged in a power struggle over the control of the political structure in Rivers.
Late Mr. Obi Wali hailed from Obio/Akpor and was elected senator to represent Port Harcourt District. His legacy is remembered fondly, though tragically, as he was murdered in his home by suspected assassins on April 26, 1993. In his memorial, the Rivers State Government commissioned the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt in 2014 to honor his political and literary contributions, which underscores the importance of preserving his memory in the region.