The Cold War between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Terrority, FCT, Nyesom Wike has taken a new dimension as some youths suspected to be thugs invaded the venue of a rally to celebrate the victory of the governor at the Supreme Court.
The crisis which took place yesterday in the Ahoada-West local government area of the state was alleged to have been sponsored by the council chairman, Hope Ikiriko.
The armed youths vandalised canopies and chairs at the initial venue set for the rally. Not done with their act, the desperate thugs pursued the organisers to a new location in their attempt to chase away the crowd, but were resisted.
After the normality was restored by the security agencies, Ikiriko later appeared from the blues to deny his involvement in the crisis.
Speaking at the occasion, the council chairman, who tried to save face from his alleged embarrassing conduct, quickly aligned himself with the organisers by saying:
“We are aware that the state government has done theirs at the state level, it is important that we also domesticate it by having our thanksgiving here in the local government.
“I will leave you very soon but I will urge that we conduct ourselves very well. We have advised ourselves and I am sure the Assembly member will inform you and convey the message of security agents and my office: how we sat down and tried to sort ways to ensure peace in this programme.”
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Despite several attempts by the thugs to disrupt the programme, the event’s attendance was impressive, with the presence of past and serving lawmakers and commissioners as well as the representative of the governor of Rivers State, Evans Bipi.
Speaking at the event in Rivers, the leader of Fubara’s supporters in Ahoada West and one of the four Assembly members loyal to him, Sokari Goodboy, urged the Presidency and the police high command to take note of the provocative action.
In his speech, the governor’s representative, Evans Bipi, advised the crowd not to be intimidated by rumours that they are to be suspended from the PDP, among other threats. The supporters also received defectors from the opposition party into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to back Governor Fubara.
The rallies to celebrate the victory of the governor at the Supreme Court have continued across the state, with supporters organising street processions or open-air thanksgiving services.
