Ruth NWORIE
Amid lingering political tension and leadership uncertainty in Rivers State, growing complaints over sanitation, security incidents and prolonged power outages are compounding public anxiety, with residents questioning the pace of governance and service delivery.
Observers say the protracted political rift that has unsettled the state’s leadership structure in recent months appears to be casting a shadow over administrative focus, as visible development projects remain limited and public concerns mount.
Across parts of Port Harcourt and adjoining areas, refuse heaps dot major roads and medians, raising environmental and health concerns.
Residents have also pointed to the slow pace of infrastructure renewal and the condition of dilapidated public schools, describing the state as experiencing a period of stagnation.
Security challenges have further heightened tension.
In Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area, aggrieved youths on Thursday took to the streets to protest the alleged gruesome murder of the Secretary of the Omuolu-Omunwei Community, Mr. Nchelem Samuel Festus.
According to a communique issued by the community, Festus was reportedly killed on Tuesday by suspected commercial motorcycle riders operating in the area. The protesters demanded justice and stronger security intervention.
In a separate incident, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a wheelbarrow pusher, Mr. Zakara Afaaruwu, for allegedly stabbing to death a 30-year-old trader, Mr. Higightor Wenem, at the Fruit Market in Oil Mill, Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt.
The incident reportedly followed an argument after the trader asked the suspect to move his wheelbarrow to create space for his goods.
Adding to the growing discontent, residents of Rumuoduminya Clan in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday staged a peaceful protest over what they described as a prolonged blackout in their community.
The demonstrators gathered at the office of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) along SARS Road, Port Harcourt, demanding immediate restoration of electricity supply.
According to the residents, the blackout has persisted for several months and worsened in recent weeks despite continued billing.
Community leaders also alleged estimated and inconsistent charges, claiming that electricity bills are issued even when there is no supply.
They said several efforts, including delegations and appeals through traditional leadership, were made to resolve the issue before resorting to protest. As of the time of filing this report, the company had yet to formally address the demonstrators.
Speaking during the protest, the Women Leader of Rumuoduminya Clan, Edith David, said:
“We have not been having light for a long time, but since this new year it has been worse. In the past two to three weeks, there has been no light at all, yet bills are still coming. The bills they bring are too high for us to pay. We use postpaid meters, not prepaid, and sometimes they just write any amount — ₦30,000, ₦35,000 or ₦40,000 — even in months when there is no supply.
When we pay half, they still disconnect us and insist we must pay everything. We are here for a peaceful protest. We need light. If we have electricity and we are consuming it, we will be happy to pay. But they are billing us for what we did not consume. The officials have not addressed us directly. One spoke with our youth president, but it seems the explanation was not accepted, which is why we are still here.”
Also speaking, the Youth Chairman of the community, Frank Uchewall, said:
“What is happening here is a peaceful community demonstration. We have been on blackout since June last year. We carried out several investigations to know whether there was a fault in the control room, but we were informed that everything is working. It appears they choose who to give light to.
This community hosts PHED facilities free of charge, including the one on SARS Road and another opposite the council. We are also hosting government facilities. We are asking: why the total blackout? What is our offence?
We are aware that PHED authorities have announced on social media that prepaid meters are being distributed free of charge to communities, but ours was bypassed. We want to know why. We have been peaceful since 7:00 a.m. We sent delegates before now and even our king invited them, but they did not honour the invitation. We are here to demand answers and restoration of power. The weather is harsh, and the situation is frustrating.”
Efforts to obtain an official response from PHED were unsuccessful as of press time.
