Tension is building in Egbeda community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as residents accuse the council chairman, Chidi Lloyd, of imposing new Community Development Committee (CDC) and Youth Council executives without consultation.
According to reports gathered by Mediaplusng.com, the council chairman dissolved the existing community leadership and inaugurated new executives without stating any reason. The action has sparked outrage among traditional leaders, women, and youths, who say the move threatens the peace currently enjoyed in the community.
Egbeda, which has remained largely peaceful despite past security challenges, now faces the risk of crisis similar to what happened recently in Rumuji, another community in the same local government area. That dispute allegedly resulted in the death of a youth, fueling fear that the situation in Egbeda could escalate if not quickly resolved.
In protest, residents gathered at the community square, demanding the reinstatement of the previously recognized executives. The palace secretary, Chief Francis Ebee, said the leaders appointed by the community had already been given official letters of appointment and should be allowed to serve their tenure.
Former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Emmanuel Omah, and legal practitioner Barr. Chizi Enyi also called for immediate government intervention to prevent a breakdown of law and order. They urged both the federal and Rivers State governments to wade into the matter and restore calm.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the community’s traditional council and opinion leaders are appealing to relevant stakeholders and security agencies to step in before the issue degenerates into violence. They emphasize that Egbeda, which hosts international oil companies, plays a vital role in the local economy and should not be allowed to fall into crisis.
For now, residents say they want dialogue, not imposition, to guide leadership in Egbeda, warning that peace and unity must remain the priority.
