A town hall meeting held in Port Harcourt on Friday turned chaotic as factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed over the state’s deepening political crisis.
The meeting, which was intended to foster dialogue among stakeholders, quickly unraveled when political loyalties flared into heated arguments.
Tensions escalated when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the pro-Wike Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), claimed credit for Fubara’s rise to power. “No indigene of Rivers State can deny the role GDI played in Sim Fubara becoming governor,” Amaewhule said, adding that GDI took Fubara across all local governments before his official campaign even began.
The remarks sparked a protest from Labour Party State Chairperson and Fubara supporter, Hilda Dokubo, who walked out in anger, saying, “I can’t sit here and listen to this.” She was later persuaded to return.
Further tensions erupted when another speaker, Kenwell Ibanibo, questioned why Governor Fubara faced an impeachment attempt just months after assuming office. “What exactly did he do to deserve that? Someone thinks he owns Rivers State and made that move,” he said.
His comments drew an outburst from Wike supporters, including factional APC Chairman Chibike Ikenga. Shouting matches broke out, with one pro-Wike attendee yelling, “Insult Wike now! You’ll still beg and come lie down!” Dokubo shouted back, “He won’t lie down! Wasn’t it Wike who once had to lie down somewhere!?”
Attempts by moderator and civil society advocate, Jake Epelle, to restore order were only partially successful, as security personnel moved in to maintain calm. Ibanibo eventually left the stage to ease tensions.
Disruptions continued when Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs was interrupted mid-speech by Ikenga. She firmly responded, “I didn’t interrupt you, don’t interrupt me. I speak for myself.”
The incident highlights the deep political divisions within Rivers State, and raises concerns about the fragility of the federal government’s reconciliation efforts. With emotions still running high, many fear lasting peace remains a distant goal.