Israel Abosi, the newly elected Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, has taken control of the council secretariat, hours after it was set ablaze by unknown arsonists.
Abosi’s bold move was accompanied by his deputy, newly elected councillors, and a large crowd of supporters, including vigilante members who brandished guns and fired shots into the air.
The group’s chants of solidarity and daring messages to political opponents sent a strong signal of their resolve.
“We will not be intimidated by acts of violence,” Abosi declared at the secretariat . “We are committed to serving the people of Ikwerre and moving our local government forward.”
Naijaonpoint recalls that the newly built council secretariat at Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government area was on Monday set ablaze.
The arson attack followed the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats in Rivers State by the commissioner of police.
The Emohua Local Government Council secretariat was also set ablaze. Some youths blocked the entrance chanting songs in solidarity with the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and insisting that the new chairman David Omereji would not be allowed to take office.