Mayhem In Rivers As Wike, Amaewhule, Fubara’s Foot Soldiers Clash

A baby reportedly became unconscious after being tear-gassed on Wednesday during a clash between supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and loyalists of Ex-Governor Nyesom Wike in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The clash occurred during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community. Witnesses said trouble started when officials from the state Ministry of Health began the outreach for women at the Eliozu Health Centre. Supporters allegedly loyal to factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule arrived to investigate the gathering near Amaewhule’s residence. Amaewhule is the leader of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.

Supporters of Obio/Akpor LGA Caretaker Committee Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo, loyal to Fubara, blocked their access, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash. Stones were thrown, disrupting the outreach. Anti-riot police arrived, firing tear gas to disperse the groups, causing a child to become unconscious.

The outreach was relocated to a state-owned facility at Waterlines axis in Port Harcourt.

Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo accused Amaewhule of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging the actions tarnished the government’s image.

State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, stating that police responded to a distress call and used anti-riot tactics to restore order. An investigation is ongoing.