In a bold move, Chijioke Ihunwo, the newly elected chairperson of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has ordered the removal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s name from a building within the council’s secretariat ¹. The administrative block will now be known as “Obi Wali House.” This decision comes on the heels of Ihunwo’s election victory in Saturday’s local poll.
The context surrounding this move is tense, with suspected hoodlums setting fire to the Ikwerre and Emohua local government secretariats just hours before Ihunwo’s visit to the council secretariat on Monday. The police had restricted officers from providing security during the elections due to a court order, which heightened tensions in the area. After the election concluded, the police lifted the lockdown on all council secretariats in the state, but not before the attackers struck, causing significant damage.
In a video shared on his X account, Ihunwo stated, “I want to advise the Rivers State Police Command to remain neutral. For this local government, we will protect ourselves, and we are ready for them after the burning of Ikwerre and Emohua councils.” He also challenged anyone to contest his decision to rename the building, citing Wike’s inability to allow the people to have peace.
This move marks one of Ihunwo’s first official actions as chairperson and has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a bold statement of intent, while others view it as a disrespectful move against Wike, who previously served as chairperson of the Obio/Akpor local government council for two terms, ending in 2007.
