The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reassured the state’s residents that he and his officers are committed to preventing the crisis in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.
Speaking to journalists at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday, CP Disu acknowledged the situation in the various LGAs and urged all political stakeholders to heed the call for peace and refrain from hostilities pending the resolution of their grievances through legal channels.
CP Disu cautioned that his officers are fully prepared to safeguard the council headquarters and will not tolerate any actions that threaten the peace and security of the state.
Meanwhile, Chidi Lloyd, the Local Government Chairman of Emohua in Rivers State, who has refused to vacate office after the expiration of his tenure on June 17, has announced an empowerment program for residents of his local government area.
In a statement released by his media aide, Bright Jossy, Lloyd, a lawyer, stated that the council, under his leadership, will distribute machetes and other agricultural tools to support farming activities in the area.
Lloyd, formerly a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who was accused of assaulting a colleague with a mace on the floor of the house ahead of the 2015 elections, explained that the distribution of machetes and other tools aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost agriculture and ensure food security.
He disclosed that the distribution of farm tools would commence on Tuesday for farmers in wards 1 to 7, while those in wards 8 to 14 will receive theirs on Wednesday, June 19.
This announcement comes amid expectations that the tenure of the Local Government Chairmen will end at midnight on Friday.
Lloyd, a former ally of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who now supports former Governor Nyesom Wike, is among the Council Chairmen who have vowed to remain in office despite unfavorable court decisions.