Thugs prevent the recently appointed Rivers chairman from accessing the LGA secretariat.

Tensions are flaring in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area as thugs have prevented the newly sworn-in council chairman from gaining access to the local government secretariat.

The unrest follows the recent swearing-in of council chairmen across Rivers State after the conclusion of local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The thugs who are opposing the outcome of the election have mobilized to block the entry of the newly elected officials, adding to a growing wave of protests and violence in other parts of the state.

Eye-witnesses say the thugs are supporters of the Federal Capital  Territory minister and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.

This development follows reports of gunfire in several other LGAs as political tensions escalate across Rivers State.