Rivers LG chairman orders removal of Wike’s name from council building

The newly elected chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Mr Chijioke Ihunwo has ordered the removal of the name of FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, from the administrative building in the council’s secretariat.

The building, previously named after Wike, will now be called “Obi Wali House.”

The abrupt directive is coming after Ihunwo’s visit to the secretariat on Monday after suspected political thugs razed a section of Ikwerre and Emohua local government secretariats.

Ihunwo’s decision marks one of his first official action following his electoral victory on Saturday.

Recall that tensions had risen during the election as the police, citing a court order, prevented officers from providing security at the polling stations.

Unfortunately, the lack of security presence allowed hoodlums to attack the Ikwerre and Emohua secretariats, causing unprecedented damage.

Ihunwo’s renaming of the administrative block and the recent attacks on local government properties highlight the ongoing political and security challenges in Rivers State.

Ihunwo said in a video posted on his official X handle on Monday, “I want to advise Rivers State Police Command, let them be neutral.

“For this local government, we will protect and die, they have burnt Ikwerre, and Emouhua (council secretariats). We are ready for them.”

“This name here,” he said, pointing to the top of a duplex in the council secretariat with the inscription “Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ADMIN BLOCK.”

“He (Wike) does not allow the people to rest. On that note, as the chairperson of the council I have renamed it Obi Wali House,” he said amidst cheers.

He said the changes would be made tomorrow morning and dared anyone to challenge his decision.

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