In a bold move, Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has revoked the naming of an administrative block in the council secretariat that had been dedicated to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The block, previously known as the Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Admin Block, will now be renamed Dr. Obi Wali House.
Ihunwo, an ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, made the announcement with strong resolve, stating that the change will take effect immediately. He also issued a warning, daring anyone to challenge his decision. For this local government, we will protect and die, Ihunwo declared, reinforcing his determination to uphold the renaming of the block.
Pointing to the inscription on the building, Ihunwo made it clear that Wike’s influence in the area would no longer be tolerated, saying, 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.
The local government chairman went on to issue a stern warning to Wike's supporters, referencing the burning of council secretariats in other parts of Rivers State. They have burnt Ikwerre and Emouhua council secretariats. We are ready for them, he said, threatening that anyone who attempts to destroy the Obio Akpor council office would face severe repercussions.
This move comes amidst growing political tension in Rivers State following the recent local government elections. Governor Fubara, in a related development, publicly urged former Governor Wike to relinquish his control over the state's political landscape for the sake of peace. Speaking during an interview on Channels TV's Politics Today, Fubara advised Wike to let go, emphasizing that not all battles need to be fought.
I’ll tell him (Wike) that it has gotten to a point where he needs to let go. We need peace in this state, you don’t necessarily need to win all the fights,at times, you just let go for the sake of the good people of Rivers State,Fubara stated.
This renaming of the administrative block and the ensuing warnings reflect the deepening division between the current Rivers State leadership and the camp of the former governor. As tensions rise, the coming days could see further developments in the ongoing political struggle for control in the state.