Violence disrupted proceedings at the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday as a disagreement between the council chairman, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, and the Leader of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. Ibifiri, degenerated into a physical confrontation.
Sources at the council secretariat said a heated argument between the two principal officers escalated rapidly, with councillors reportedly taking sides with the assembly leader. In the process, the chairman was allegedly assaulted and forced to retreat from the premises to avoid further harm.
The immediate cause of the altercation could not be established as of press time, highlighting persistent governance gaps and the absence of effective conflict-management structures at the grassroots level.
A video clip widely circulated on social media captured scenes of confusion at the council, intensifying public concern and prompting calls for accountability. However, no official statement had been issued by the local government authorities or security agencies on the incident.
The development comes against the backdrop of a lingering political crisis in Rivers State, which has simmered since 2023 following the fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, former governor Nyesom Wike.
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