By John Joseph
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A violent confrontation between supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has sparked concerns about the escalating political tensions in the region. The incident, which occurred during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, resulted in a baby being tear-gassed and left
unconscious.According to eyewitnesses, the clash began when supporters of factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue and were prevented from accessing the area by Fubara’s supporters. This led to a heated argument, followed by a physical altercation, with stones being pelted from various directions. The medical outreach was abruptly disrupted, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.”It was a chaotic scene,” said a witness who preferred to remain
anonymous. “People were running in all directions, and the sound of teargas canisters being fired filled the air. I saw a woman holding a baby, who was crying uncontrollably. The baby was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.”The Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, accused Amaewhule of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach, stating, “This morning, there was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre where the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, led some security men to disrupt a programme by the Ministry of
Health.”Ihunwo further alleged that Amaewhule’s actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine the current administration, saying, “We want to say that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be under siege. We want to call on the President, Bola Tinubu, that the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of the FCT are tarnishing the image of your government.”In response to the incident, the state police command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko,
confirmed that the police responded to a distress call and deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. She stated, “A distress call was received from the health centre in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight. The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order.
The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for calm and restraint. The Rivers State Government has issued a statement urging supporters of both factions to refrain from violence, saying, “We appeal to all parties involved to eschew violence and embrace peaceful means of resolving their differences.”The clash is the latest in a series of incidents that have highlighted the deepening political divisions in Rivers State.
The state has been plagued by political unrest since the 2023 elections, with supporters of Fubara and Wike engaging in violent confrontations.According to political analysts, the crisis is fueled by a struggle for control of the state’s resources and political machinery. “The situation in Rivers State is a classic case of a struggle for power and resources,” said Dr. Sofiri Peterside, a political scientist at the University of Port Harcourt.
“The two factions are fighting for control of the state’s oil resources and political apparatus.”The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of civilians, particularly women and children, who are often caught in the crossfire. “The use of teargas and other violent tactics by the police is unacceptable,” said Mrs. Ibiwari Ikiriko, a human rights activist. “The police should find alternative means of resolving conflicts without putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk.”As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, many are calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The state government has announced plans to hold a stakeholders’ meeting to address the issues fueling the conflict. However, with tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the meeting will yield any positive results.In the meantime, the people of Rivers State continue to suffer the consequences of the political unrest. The incident at the Eliozu Health Centre is a stark reminder of the human cost of political violence and the need for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution.