Clashes Erupt at Port Harcourt Town Hall as Wike, Fubara Supporters Clash Over Rivers Political Crisis

Tensions flared in Port Harcourt on Friday as supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed during a heated town hall meeting addressing the state’s ongoing political crisis. The event, attended by Rivers natives, residents, and political stakeholders, descended into chaos as speakers traded accusations, exposing the deep divisions in the state.

The trouble began when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), took the stage. Amaewhule claimed GDI was instrumental in Fubara’s rise to the governorship, stating, “There’s no indigene of Rivers State that will not recognize the role GDI played in the emergence of Sim Fubara as governor. We moved Sim from one local government to another… even when he was rejected by his own people.” He accused some of Fubara’s allies of urging him to defy the political party that backed him, sparking unrest in the audience.

Rivers Labor Party Chairman Hilda Dokubo, seated in the front row, stormed out in protest, declaring, “I can’t sit here and listen to this.” Organizers later persuaded her to return.

The atmosphere grew more volatile when Kenwell Ibanibo, responding to Amaewhule, questioned the motives behind an impeachment attempt against Fubara just five months into his tenure. Ibanibo alleged, “Somebody somewhere who thinks he’s the owner of Rivers State took this position and influenced the impeachment.” His remarks prompted an immediate backlash from Wike’s supporters, led by Chibike Ikenga, the factional Rivers APC Chairman.

Heated exchanges ensued, with a Wike supporter shouting, “Insult Wike now! Una go still beg!” Dokubo, now back in her seat, retorted, “Him no go lie down! No be Wike lie down for somewhere so!?” As the shouting match escalated, the event’s anchor and mediator Jake Epelle struggled to restore order, with bouncers stepping in to monitor the situation.

Ibanibo eventually left the stage to de-escalate tensions, allowing the town hall to continue. However, friction resurfaced when Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs was interrupted by Ikenga. She sharply rebuked him, saying, “I didn’t interrupt you when you spoke. Please leave me be.”

The outcome of the reconciliation process is uncertain, but the volatility displayed at the town hall indicates significant challenges ahead for restoring stability in Rivers State.