Confusion erupted in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday after an alleged violent confrontation between the council chairman, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, and the leader of the Local Government Legislative Assembly, Hon. Ibifiri.
The cause of the disagreement remained unclear at the time of filing this report. However, sources said a heated argument between the two officials escalated into a physical confrontation.
According to Daily Post, the councillors, in an unexpected show of force, sided with the legislative leader and allegedly pounced on the chairman.
A video circulating online showed a man identified as the council chairman running from a group of angry councillors, with onlookers screaming in the background. The footage, which has since gone viral, sparked outrage and concern over the rising political tension in the state.
The incident comes against the backdrop of lingering political turmoil in Rivers State, which has intensified since the 2023 rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political ally and former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Watch the video below:
Breaking News
— Jahmal of Port Harcourt 🦍 (@Big_Sinudo) February 3, 2026
Councillors loyal to George Kelly and LGA Chairman Dr. O. George get into a physical altercation as greed-driven chaos breaks out in Nyesom Wike's political camp in Asari Toru.
Some of the thugs who assaulted the LGA Chairman have been taken into custody by the… pic.twitter.com/oWOuI4Q2G5