Protest Rocks Rivers as Youths Urge PDP to Adhere to Zoning Formula

By Katherine Abayomi

Tension has heightened in Rundele Clan Ward 7, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an alleged plot by former Councilor Emenike Wokama to seek a second term in the forthcoming Local Government Area elections. This move is said to be against the age-long zoning arrangement in the area, which dictates that the councillorship position be rotated among the five communities in Rundele.

The controversy began when the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rundele Ward 7 nominated Mr. Vincent Wuzor from Omofo as their councillorship candidate on a consensus arrangement. However, Wuzor was allegedly dropped and replaced with Wokama, who had previously served as councilor under the leadership of Chidi Lloyd. This development did not sit well with stakeholders in the community, leading to widespread protests.

Youths from Omofo Community in Rundele took to the streets, marching across communities to the Palace of the Paramount Ruler, HRH Eze Damian Ejiohuo. They vowed to resist Wokama’s bid for a second term, insisting that it is Omofo’s turn to produce the next councilor. The protesters argued that the zoning arrangement has maintained peace and unity in Rundele and that Wokama’s ambition would undermine this.

Comrade Kpomasuruchi Dimkpa, leader of the protesters and Chairman of Omofo Youth Federation (OYF) Community, emphasized that the youths and Omofo community would resist any attempt to deny them their right. “We are here to protest not as members of any political party, but as youths of Omofo Community. We are protesting against an attempt to deny us our right. We are protesting against injustice,” Dimkpa stated.

The protesters urged the Paramount Ruler, the Rundele Council of Chiefs, and other stakeholders to call Wokama to order and ensure that the zoning arrangement is respected. Dr. Okechukwu Omeodu, another speaker at the protest, warned that Wokama’s actions could lead to crisis and conflict in Rundele. “What Emenike Wokama is trying to do now will only bring about crisis and conflict in Rundele, and so, we are calling on our leaders to prevail on him to perish that his ambition for the interest of peace in Rundele community before it is too late,” Omeodu said.

Chief Raphael Nweneka, Representative of Mgbuelia Community in the Rundele Council of Chiefs, assured the protesters that the matter would be handled at the clan leadership level. He emphasized that the right thing must be done for the interest of peace and unity in Rundele.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the stakeholders will resolve the issue and maintain harmony in the Rundele community .