In a surprising move, Chijioke Ihunwo, the newly inaugurated chairperson of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, has ordered the renaming of a building named after former governor Nyesom Wike.
During a visit to the council secretariat, Ihunwo announced that the administrative block previously called the “Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike ADMIN BLOCK” will now be known as “Obi Wali House.”
This decision comes amid rising tensions in the area following recent violence.
Ihunwo made the announcement just hours after hoodlums set fire to the Ikwerre and Emohua local government secretariats.
He expressed his frustration with the police for withdrawing security during the recent local government elections, which took place despite a court order barring police involvement.
“Let them be neutral,” he urged the Rivers State Police Command.
“We will protect and die for this local government,” he declared, showing his determination to safeguard the area.
The chairperson’s fiery remarks were shared in a video posted on his social media account.
He pointed to the building’s sign, stating, “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.”
His announcement was met with cheers from those present.
Wike served as chairperson of the Obio/Akpor local government council for two terms, ending in 2007.
Afterward, he became chief of staff to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi and was later appointed as Minister of State for Education under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Wike has been embroiled in a political battle with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The new name, Obi Wali House, honours the late Obi Wali, a prominent figure from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State.
Wali was elected senator to represent the Port Harcourt District and was well-respected for his intellectual contributions.
Ihunwo’s decision to rename the building signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State.
This is not the first time Wike has faced backlash in his home local government area.
In June, youth from the area violently pulled down a statue of Wike at the council secretariat, expressing anger over police actions against them.
The youths accused Wike of sending police to attack them for demanding the removal of council officials who were allies of Wike but had overstayed their tenure.
