Tension gripped the Walewale Municipality on Tuesday after a group of agitated youth stormed the Municipal Assembly premises, forcing the Municipal Coordinating Director, Justice Bayon, to flee for safety.
The incident left the Director’s office barricaded and disrupted official activities for several hours, as dozens of protesters occupied sections of the Assembly compound.
According to sources within the Assembly, the Municipal Coordinating Director vacated the premises early Tuesday morning after receiving intelligence about a planned demonstration by local youth.
Shortly after his departure, the group arrived at the Assembly, chanting slogans and demanding immediate action over what they described as longstanding grievances.
Upon entering the premises, the protesters allegedly forced their way into parts of the facility and proceeded to lock up the Director’s office, effectively halting administrative work.
Staff and visitors were left shaken as the situation escalated, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the Assembly.
Addressing the media, the youth accused Justice Bayon of absenteeism and incompetence in the discharge of his duties.
“We no longer need him. We are appealing to the government to replace him, as we are deeply dissatisfied,” one protester said.
“This serves as a warning to the DCE: we are here peacefully today, but we will return if he is not replaced.”
The protesters insisted their actions were a direct response to what they perceive as ineffective leadership and lack of accountability.
Beyond leadership concerns, the demonstration also highlighted deeper frustrations within the municipality, including:
- Rising unemployment among the youth
- Perceived neglect by local authorities
- Delays in infrastructure and development projects
Protesters specifically pointed to the poor state of roads in Walewale, accusing authorities of failing to utilise available resources.
“All the roads in Walewale are in poor condition, yet the DRIP machines have been left idle. The last time it rained, every road became impassable,” another protester stated.
Some observers believe the unrest may also be linked to ongoing internal political tensions within the municipality, although this has not been officially confirmed.
No injuries were officially reported during the incident, but the disruption has raised concerns about security and governance at the local level.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mohammed Rabiu Jabaah, speaking to JoyNews, indicated that he would require clearance from the Regional Minister before making any formal statement on the matter.
As of now, calm has been restored, but the situation remains tense, with residents and Assembly staff awaiting further action from government authorities.
The incident underscores growing dissatisfaction among sections of the youth and highlights the urgent need for dialogue and intervention to address both administrative and developmental concerns in the Walewale Municipality.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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