The newly elected Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo has removed the name of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike from the administrative block of the council.
Wike, who hails from Rumuepirikom in Obio Akpor and is a former chairman of the same local council, had his name prominently displayed on the council’s administrative building.
Ihunwo justified the move by stating that Wike had caused considerable trouble for the local government area. As a result, Wike’s name has been replaced with that of the late Obi Wali, a former politician and activist who was instrumental in the political landscape of Rivers State.
In a video posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ihunwo announced the change, saying, “We have changed Wike’s name in the admin block of Obio/Akpor Council and replaced it with the name of SENATOR DR. OBI WALI.”
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Ihunwo, alongside 22 other newly elected local government chairpersons, was recently sworn in by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following the conclusion of local council elections in the state.
The decision to remove Wike’s name comes amid political tensions within Rivers State, where Wike, a former governor, remains a highly influential figure.
However, Ihunwo’s decision to honor the late Obi Wali, who was known for his activism and contributions to the state, is seen as a symbolic move aimed at promoting a different legacy in the local government area.