ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Allwell Ihunda, narrowly escaped harm on Tuesday when protesting youths chased him along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
Ihunda, the outgoing Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, was on his way to the council secretariat with aides and security details when the incident occurred.
As he alighted from his vehicle and tried to enter the council, a group of youths occupying the entrance shouted and chased him, attempting to apprehend him.
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Ihunda’s security details resisted the youths, shooting into the air to disperse them, while Ihunda jumped into a black SUV and escaped.
The youths continued shouting abuses and shooting into the air, with some yelling, “That is him, Allwell. Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor is running. Chase him. Are you mad? God punish you. Thunder will fire you.”
The incident comes amid a political crisis in Rivers State, where the state ALGON has vowed not to vacate office after their tenure expired on June 17, citing a local government amendment law that extends their tenure by six months.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed heads of local government administration to take charge of council affairs pending further directives, amid a power struggle between Fubara and the state legislature.
Ihunda’s close call highlights the tensions in the state, with youths demanding change and protesting the continued presence of outgoing council chairmen.
Meanwhile, the situation remains volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.