Councillors in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State narrowly escaped being lynched on Wednesday by thugs suspected to be sponsored by highly placed council operatives.

Sources indicate that the attack was sequel to a motion moved by the councillor representing ward three, Hon. Oyekuodi Ilekima, inviting the Abua/Odual Local Government Chairman, Hon Kenigheni Sunday Dema to submit the 2006 appropriation bill to the House for deliberation and passage.

Speaking to newsmen after the incident, the leader of the House, Hon Etire Abighamikaru said he quickly alerted the DPO in charge of Abua/Odual Police Station, when the situation became tense and volatile for normal sitting to take place on the morning of last Thursday as thugs invaded the Legislative chambers, chanting war songs.

He said that but for the prompt intervention of the police, an orgy of violence would have engulfed the area, which is beginning to enjoy peace.

The leader explained that the former budget passed by four out of the thirteen (13) councillors was rejected on the High Court order via Suit No PHC/2127/2005, restraining the passage of the 2006 appropriation bill and was ratified by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

It was gathered that the councillors had repeatedly expressed displeasure with Mr Dema's reluctance to present the 2006 appropriation bill as directed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, when he was recently summoned to appear before the House on charges of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office, but rather attempted to induce the councillors with generous cash gifts and payment of their arrears.

A councillor from the area, who prefers anonymity, confirmed that the action to destabilize the sitting of the House was known to all of them, stressing that the thugs were from Ward One.

Some councilors, however, accused the Chairman, Barrister Kenigheni Dema of attempting to forment crisis in the House with the sole aim of evading due process, stressing that his unwillingness to present the 2006 appropriation bill to the House, despite the unanimous resolution of the councillors last Monday was quite worrisome.

It would be recalled that not too long ago, a large cache of arms were recovered in Abua and this may not be unconnected with the second tenure bid of some politicians there.

Abuans have been reeling under the yoke of bondage and this trend will not augur well for the peace moves initiated by Dr Odili to reintegrate the area, when the people of Abua/Odual paid him a courtesy call