LGA Election: Chaos Erupts In Rivers State As Wike Loyalists Enforce Court Order, Two Injured In Shooting

LGA Election: Chaos Erupts In Rivers State As Wike Loyalists Enforce Court Order, Two Injured In Shooting Written By Oshiobugie John– Tension flared in Igwuruta community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, as two individuals were shot amidst an effort by youths allegedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, to enforce a High Court ruling.

On Saturday morning, the alleged loyalists took to the streets, claiming to be enforcing a court judgment that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The unrest unfolded as residents of Igwuruta awaited the arrival of election materials, preparing to cast their votes. However, a group of over 100 youths stormed the area, disrupting the process by chasing people back into their homes and declaring that the polls would not take place.

“Why We Stopped the Election”

Obinna Ekem, the leader of the group and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the community, stated that their actions were to enforce a Federal High Court judgment that restrained RSIEC from conducting local government elections. He alleged that security operatives attached to a federal lawmaker in the area fired shots at the group, escalating the violence.

Ekem said, “We are members of the PDP who refuse to participate in the election and won’t allow any illegal activity in Ward 12, Igwuruta. We were enforcing the judgment of Justice Lifu from the Federal High Court on September 30.”

He further alleged that the altercation began when security personnel attached to federal lawmaker Boniface Emerengwa, representing Ikwerre-Emohua Federal Constituency, opened fire on the youths. “They shot at us while we were addressing the community about the futility of the election,” Ekem claimed. Several individuals sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Police Intervention

The situation was eventually brought under control after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Igwuruta Police Division mobilized security forces to restore calm.

It was reported that the election did not take place in Igwuruta or in the neighboring Omuagwa community due to the disruption.