Wike, ousted council boss disagree over violence

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has accused the deposed Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council (ONELGA), Augustine Ahiamadu, of funding cult groups which allegedly claimed over 50 lives and lots of property in the area recently.

Wike made the allegation while swearing in a caretaker committee chairman for the council, Prince Isaac Umejere and that of Etche Local Council, Michael Amadi at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor noted that security reports in ONELGA indicated the need to intervene and enthrone rule of law, adding that the state government could not stand aloof and watch the total breakdown of law and order in the council.

However, the ousted council boss has described his ouster as unconstitutional and unacceptable, saying he remained the helmsman.

He contended that the action of the state government and the lawmakers had exposed them as being responsible for all the carnage taking place in the council.

Ahiamadu alleged that neither the state government nor the Assembly came to his aid despite repeated calls for assistance while the crisis lasted.
Wike advised the new chairman to give priority towards restoring peace and security in the communities. ∑
“We must do everything humanly possible to improve security in the area. You have to collaborate with security agencies to fight crime and cultism in ONELGA,” Wike stated.

The governor charged the council chief to avoid any links with cult groups, saying that he would be sacked if found culpable.

The state House of Assembly had on Tuesday recommended Ahiamadu’s removal, citing his inability to check security challenges in the area.