In recent days, Rivers State has become a hotbed of political tension, with supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara reporting a series of harassment and intimidation incidents. These developments have further complicated the already volatile political climate in the state.
On Wednesday, supporters of Governor Fubara faced disruption and hostility in various parts of the state. One particularly troubling incident occurred in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, where a group of individuals loyal to the governor was reportedly harassed and chased away. These individuals had gathered to receive food items distributed by the state government, but the event was abruptly interrupted.
Similar scenes of intimidation unfolded in the Apani community, also within Ikwerre Local Government Area, and in Eliozu, located in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. In both instances, pro-Fubara politicians, who had been appointed as Caretaker Committee Chairmen before a pivotal Supreme Court judgment, were scheduled to attend events on Wednesday.
The details surrounding the Apani incident remain murky, but more clarity has emerged regarding the disruption in Eliozu. Chijioke Ihunwo, a prominent pro-Fubara politician from Obio/Akpor, provided a detailed account of the events. According to Ihunwo, armed police officers intervened in Eliozu, acting on orders from Martin Amaewhule,
The Speaker of the Pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers. Ihunwo alleged that the police fired shots into the air and used teargas to disperse residents who were attending a healthcare program organized by the State Ministry of Health at the Eliozu Primary Healthcare Centre.
The geographical and political significance of Eliozu cannot be overlooked. It is the home of Speaker Martin Amaewhule and lies adjacent to Rumunduru, the community from which Chijioke Ihunwo hails. This proximity adds an additional layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between these political figures.
On Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, passed a controversial resolution. This resolution called for the police to arrest individuals who continued to claim the title of caretaker committee chairmen despite the recent Supreme Court judgment. The judgment had evidently stirred political waters, and the Assembly’s resolution seemed to have further inflamed the situation.
It remains unclear if the recent incidents of harassment are a direct response to this legislative directive. The police and Speaker Martin Amaewhule have yet to provide an official response to the allegations made by Chijioke Ihunwo and other pro-Fubara supporters.
The unfolding crisis in Rivers State underscores the deep-seated political divisions and the lengths to which rival factions are willing to go. As the situation develops, it is evident that the state’s political landscape is in a state of flux, with significant implications for governance and stability. The coming days will likely see further developments as both sides navigate this turbulent period.
