Wike, Fubara Supporters Clash During Tense Town Hall in Port Harcourt
Heated confrontation breaks out as political allies of Minister Wike and Governor Fubara exchange accusations at public forum.
A town hall meeting in Port Harcourt descended into chaos on Friday as supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed over the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The meeting, attended by residents, political stakeholders, and civic groups, was intended to provide a platform for open dialogue. However, tension erupted when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), credited his group with facilitating Fubara’s rise to power, suggesting that Wike played a minimal role.
“Before the campaign even started, we took Sim from one local government to another,” Amaewhule said, adding that GDI had earned Fubara public acceptance despite opposition from some quarters.
His remarks drew a strong reaction from Labour Party Chairman Hilda Dokubo, who stood in protest but was persuaded by organizers to return to her seat. Further friction arose when community leader Kenwell Ibanibo questioned the motives behind the initial impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara just months after his inauguration.
“I want to know what he did that warranted an impeachment after only five months,” Ibanibo asked, implying political overreach by unnamed individuals.
The remarks triggered a heated verbal exchange between rival factions. Supporters of Wike, led by factional APC Chairman Chibike Ikenga, shouted back at Ibanibo and Dokubo, prompting organizers and security personnel to intervene.
Despite the anchor’s repeated efforts to calm the crowd, the tension escalated until Ibanibo voluntarily stepped down from the stage, a move that eventually restored order and allowed the event to proceed.
The incident underscores deepening divisions within Rivers State’s political landscape and highlights the volatile nature of the conflict between Wike and Fubara’s camps.
