A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Port Harcourt during a town hall meeting attended by supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The meeting was aimed at discussing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Tensions escalated when Bright Amaewhule, President General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), took the stage, praising GDI’s role in Fubara’s emergence as governor.
Amaewhule said, “There’s no indigene of Rivers State that will not recognise the role GDI played in the emergence of Sim Fubara as governor of Rivers State.”
However, his comments sparked controversy. Rivers Labour Party Chairman Hilda Dokubo walked out, saying, “I can’t sit here and listen to this.” She later returned after being persuaded by the organisers.
The situation worsened when Mr. Kenwell Ibanibo responded to Amaewhule’s comments, questioning Fubara’s treatment by those who initially opposed him.
Supporters of Wike, led by factional Rivers APC Chairman Chibike Ikenga, interjected, leading to heated exchanges.
Dokubo fired back at a Wike supporter, saying, “Him no go lie down! I say him no go lie down!” The tense situation prompted the anchor to appeal for calm, and Jake Epelle attempted to calm the crowd.
After minutes of tension, Mr. Ibanibo stepped down to restore peace.
However, another confrontation arose when Ann-Kio Briggs, a Niger Delta activist, was interrupted by Ikenga. She firmly told him, “I don’t know when you spoke, but I did not interrupt you, please let me be. If I don’t speak for you, I speak for myself.”
The incidents highlight the deep-seated tensions in Rivers State and the fragility of the peace achieved through the ongoing state of emergency and reconciliation process.
