A town hall meeting held on Friday in Port Harcourt erupted into chaos as supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike clashed with those of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The meeting, intended to foster dialogue among Rivers stakeholders, quickly turned contentious as attendees expressed their opinions. The situation intensified when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative, a pro-Wike group, asserted the organization’s role in Fubara’s rise to governorship.
“There’s no indigene of Rivers State who wouldn’t acknowledge the GDI’s contribution to Sim Fubara becoming governor. We campaigned for him across local governments, not the Honorable Minister,” Amaewhule stated.
His remarks prompted an immediate backlash from Hilda Dokubo, the state chairman of the Labour Party and a Fubara supporter, who stormed out in protest, exclaiming, “I can’t sit here and listen to this!” She was later persuaded to return by the meeting organizers.
Tensions escalated further when Kenwell Ibanibo challenged Amaewhule’s claims, questioning the legitimacy of the attempt to impeach Fubara just months into his term. “I’ve heard the GDI Chairman say they supported Sim Fubara, but what did he do to warrant an impeachment attempt after just five months?” Ibanibo asked, suggesting that powerful interests were behind the impeachment efforts.
This comment sparked fierce reactions from Wike’s supporters, leading to shouting matches in the hall. One Wike loyalist shouted, “Insult Wike now! You will still come begging!” to which Dokubo retorted, “He won’t lie down! Wike won’t lie down for anyone!”
Efforts by event facilitator Jake Epelle to calm the crowd were met with difficulties as tensions continued to rise. Security personnel had to position themselves strategically to manage the situation.
Ibanibo eventually offered to leave the stage to help de-escalate the conflict, allowing the meeting to proceed. However, tensions flared again when activist Ann-Kio Briggs was interrupted by Ikenga while speaking. She firmly responded, “I don’t know when you spoke, but I didn’t interrupt you. Please let me speak.”
This incident highlights the deep divisions and ongoing unrest within Rivers politics, despite efforts for reconciliation.
