Wike, Fubara supporters clash at Port Harcourt town hall meeting

 

Wike, Fubara Supporters Clash at Port Harcourt Town Hall Meeting





A heated confrontation erupted yesterday in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, as supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and those loyal to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed during a town hall meeting.

The meeting, intended as a platform for Rivers residents and political stakeholders to air their views on the ongoing political crisis in the state, quickly descended into chaos after remarks made by Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI). Amaewhule claimed that GDI played a pivotal role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, asserting, “Before the campaign proper, we moved Sim from one local government to another, not the Honourable Minister.”

He continued, “GDI was the group that made Sim acceptable to the people of Rivers State, even when he was rejected by his own kin. Now, those same people are telling him not to listen to anyone, not to be loyal to the party that brought him in.”

Amaewhule’s comments sparked a strong reaction from Hilda Dokubo, Chairperson of the Labour Party in Rivers State. Rising from her front-row seat, she objected, saying, “I cannot sit here and listen to this.” Event organisers managed to persuade her to return to her seat.

Tensions escalated further when Kenwell Ibanibo, a member of the audience, responded to Amaewhule’s speech. “I’ve heard the GDI Chairman claim they helped Sim Fubara become governor,” he said. “But what did he do to deserve an impeachment move just five months into office? This is about someone who believes he owns Rivers State.”

These remarks triggered an outburst from Wike's supporters, led by factional Rivers APC Chairman, Chibike Ikenga. They interrupted Ibanibo, prompting a shouting match. Ibanibo tried to maintain his composure, repeating, “You spoke, I didn’t interrupt you.”

The exchange grew more heated, with one Wike supporter shouting, “Insult Wike now! Una go still beg. Person wey lie down never stand up, una dey talk!” To this, Dokubo retorted passionately, “Him no go lie down! I say him no go lie down! No be Wike lie down for somewhere so!?”

Amid the chaos, the anchor made repeated attempts to restore order, urging participants to remain calm and return to their seats. Activist Jake Epelle was also seen appealing to the agitated parties to de-escalate the situation.

Security personnel, including bouncers, were forced to intervene, positioning themselves strategically in the hall. Eventually, tensions subsided after Ibanibo agreed to step away from the stage to allow the meeting to proceed.

Following the disruption, the town hall meeting resumed under tighter moderation.

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