By Emmanuel Abi Couson
In what political observers believe is a systematic move to wittle down the influence of Nyesom Wike in his local government of Obio-Akpor, Chijioke Ihunwo the Chairman of the Local government , has appointed 130 special assistants, to mark his second round of appointments within six months.
Ihunwo announced the appointment on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Ihunwo is a known ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. His actions have occasionally stirred controversy, including the removal of Nyesom Wike’s name from the administrative block of the council secretariat in October.
Among the newly appointed are Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi.
“I congratulate them, and call on them to serve diligently, in the interest of Obio/Akpor local government. Their appointments take immediate effect,” his statement read.
Ihunwo had in July 2024 appointment 100 special assistants during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman of the LGA.
And now that he is now the substantive chairman following the October local government election in the state, he increased the numbers of appointed Special Assistants.
Political observers are of the opinion that it is an orchestrated plan to put more booth on ground to counter the former governor of Rivers State and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , who is from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor LGA.
Fubara has been embroiled in a political rivalry with Wike , resulting in a tense supremacy battle within the state.
