https://x.com/Imranmuhdz/status/1843216656753193365
Following the local government elections in Rivers State, the Eleme Local Government Council Secretariat has been set ablaze, raising concerns of potential unrest as the newly elected chairmen prepare to assume office today. The unfortunate incident occurred just hours after the swearing-in ceremony held on Sunday, leaving the local community in shock.
According to an exclusive phone interview with former Ambassador Orji, who hails from Eleme, the newly elected chairman, Brian Gokpa, arrived at the council secretariat earlier today accompanied by his councillors and a group of supporters. Upon arrival, they were met with the disturbing sight of sections of the council secretariat engulfed in flames. The fire, which was reportedly started by unidentified gunmen, forced security guards at the facility to flee, allowing the attackers to wreak havoc on the building.
"A large portion of the council building has been destroyed," Ambassador Orji revealed. "The chairman, Brian Gokpa, and his team are understandably distressed by this senseless act of violence, which seems designed to destabilize the council just as they are set to begin their duties."
The attack comes at a critical time for the state, as the peaceful transition of power in local government areas has been a key focus of the recent elections. This latest incident has sparked fears of further violence in other council areas, with tension already running high. In some quarters, there is growing apprehension that political rivalries or grievances from the election could escalate into wider conflict if not contained.
A video currently circulating on social media shows the extent of the destruction, with several offices within the council secretariat seen going up in flames. In the footage, an unidentified voice can be heard accusing two individuals of being responsible for the arson attack, although no concrete evidence has been provided. The video has since gone viral, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty and raising questions about the motivations behind the attack.
So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage, but the police have yet to issue an official statement or confirm whether they have any leads on the identities of the assailants. Their silence is further compounded by the fact that, earlier in the day, it was announced that police personnel would be vacating several council areas, including Eleme, following the conclusion of the election process.
Meanwhile, community members and political stakeholders in the area are urging the authorities to act swiftly to prevent a further breakdown of law and order. The fear of potential violence spreading to other councils is palpable, especially given the charged political atmosphere in the state.
The people of Eleme are left wondering who would benefit from such a brazen act of destruction, particularly at a time when the newly elected officials are meant to focus on governance and development. As the newly inaugurated chairmen prepare to settle into their roles, attention is now shifting towards ensuring that they can do so without further disruption.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has yet to address the incident publicly, but there is growing pressure for the state government to restore calm and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
