Tension are rising in Rundele Clan, Ward 7 of Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, as residents and youth groups protest moves to impose former councillor, Hon. Emenike Wokama, for a second term in the forthcoming August 30 local government elections.
The protest, which erupted over the weekend, stems from allegations that Wokama’s re-nomination violates a long-standing zoning agreement among the five communities in Rundele – Mgbuolua, Mgbuelia, Omofo, Egamini, and Agba-Ndele – which dictates rotational representation in political offices.
According to the protesters, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 7 leadership had initially nominated Vincent Wuzor from Omofo on a consensus basis. However, Wuzor was reportedly dropped and replaced by Wokama, a development that sparked widespread discontent and disrupted scheduled party primaries.
Youth from Omofo community staged a peaceful protest, marching through the clan to the palace of the Paramount Ruler, HRH Eze Damian Ejiohuo, where they voiced their rejection of Wokama’s re-election bid.
Speaking to journalists, Comrade Kpomasuruchi Dimpka, President of the Omofo Youth Federation (OYF), said: “We are protesting not as party members but as concerned youths of Omofo. This imposition is unjust, no community in Rundele has ever gone for a second term, It is Omofo’s turn to produce the next councillor.”
Dimpka also accused political actors of using the names of influential figures such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Emohua LGA Chairman Dr. Chidi Lloyd to justify the imposition.
“We will resist any attempt to hijack the will of the people. Rundele has always followed a rotational arrangement that promotes peace and equity,” he said.
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Also speaking during the protest, Dr. Okechukwu Omeodu stressed the need to avert looming crisis.
“We are not against how political parties select their candidates, but they must respect the zoning agreement. Mgbuelia produced the last councillor, Hon. Emenike Wokama. Omofo should take its rightful turn.”
Engr. Okachi Nokoka, a former assistant secretary of Ogbakor Omofo, echoed similar concerns. “This move undermines the unity we have long enjoyed in Rundele. The people have spoken through this peaceful protest. The leadership must listen,” he said.
Responding to the protest, Chief Raphael Nweneka, the representative of Mgbuelia Community in the Rundele Council of Chiefs and a party stakeholder, appealed for calm and promised that the matter would be addressed at the highest level of the clan’s leadership.
“The interest of peace and unity is paramount. This issue will be discussed thoroughly, and the right thing will be done.”
The protest underscores growing political tensions in parts of Rivers State ahead of the local government elections.
Rundele residents are calling for transparency, fairness, and respect for established traditions, warning that any attempt to sideline Omofo could destabilize the peace in the area.
