PORT HARCOURT, June 25, 2024 — Pandemonium erupted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, early Tuesday morning when a middle-aged protester carrying dynamite was killed while trying to discharge an explosive device. The incident, which took place at approximately 9:45 am in front of Hotel Presidential, involved a supporter of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former governor Nyesom Wike. Wike has been embroiled in a heated political feud with current Governor Siminilayi Fubara over control of the state’s politics.
According to eyewitness reports , the deceased was part of a protest march that included top political leaders from various wards of Obio/Akpor, demonstrating solidarity with Wike. The march caused significant traffic disruptions along Ikwerre Road.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene. “The corpse was quickly taken away as security agents swarmed the area,” one witness recounted. Another, speaking anonymously, noted, “The protesters caused heavy traffic as they moved towards their destination.”
The protest march, which started earlier in the day, saw prominent figures such as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Ogundu Chinda, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, and former Council Chairman George Ariolu leading the demonstration. They gathered at the Rumueme Civic Center, demanding that the Inspector General of Police maintain control over the councils and resist any form of intimidation.
In a related incident, IPO community women barricaded the Port Harcourt airport, leaving passengers stranded and further exacerbating the political crisis in Rivers State.
During the protest, Ariolu addressed the crowd, advocating for peace and the rule of law. “As the governor said, there is no sacrifice too much for peace. But there is no peace without justice. You must govern by the rule of law,” he declared. “Rivers is a state that complies with law and order. We support the Nigerian police and the inspector general under President Tinubu in their efforts to bring peace to Rivers State, even amidst provocations.”
He continued, “We encourage the inspector general and his men to continue to bring peace and order to Rivers state. Public officeholders must obey the law. We are taking this peaceful walk to talk to the people and demonstrate our support for peace and order.”
