King Ateke Tom’s Son Accuses Police IG of Partisanship in Rivers LG Crisis
In the ongoing political tussle between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the son of King Ateke Tom, Engr Steven Tamunokpekerebia Ateke Tom and a former militant warlord, has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of partisanship.
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The accusation centers on the ongoing local government crisis in Rivers State, where Ateke Tom claims the police have taken sides.
In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Ateke Tom expressed his frustration with the role the police allegedly played during the escalating crisis. He directly addressed the IGP, writing, “Mr. @IGPEgbetokun, I, Engr. Steven Tamunokpekerebia Ateke Tom wish to inform you that you, your generations, and your cohorts shall pay dearly for every atrocity and partisan role you played in Rivers State. WE DON’T BELIEVE in ‘GOD WILL FIGHT US.’ I’m sure you know. It’s time!”
The political crisis, which has worsened since the swearing-in of the newly elected local government chairmen on Sunday, October 6, 2024, saw protests erupt from aggrieved factions suspected to be loyal to Wike. These factions reportedly attempted to block the newly sworn-in chairmen from accessing their respective council secretariats.
In the chaos, several council secretariats were reportedly vandalized by political thugs.
The dispute over who controls the political structure of Rivers State has heightened tensions between Wike, the former governor, and Governor Fubara. The local government elections have further exacerbated the divide, with both camps allegedly vying for dominance.
News Week Nigeria has reported that the ongoing crisis has led to violence and destruction of property in various local government areas, as both sides of the political divide continue to battle for control.
