Political leaders in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State have staged a protest in support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The march is being led by Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; Martins Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and George Ariolu, former Council Chairman.

The protesters are calling on the Inspector General of Police to maintain a presence in the councils and resist any intimidation.

The march, taking place along Ikwerre Road, has caused significant traffic congestion.

The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun had last week, said his men will continue to man the 23 council secretariats in the state, pending the judgement of the court on the case between Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The former council chairmen whose tenure ended on June 17, are insisting on tenure elongation, citing an amendment by Amaewhule and others, an amendment that has been set aside by a Rivers State High court.

IGP Egbetokun said the reason for keeping his men at the councils is to avert more crises.

Last week Tuesday, a police officer and a local vigilante member were killed after supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Wike clashed at Omuma LGA of the state.