BREAKING: Tensions grow in Rivers as Wike, Fubara’s supporters clash, baby hurt, see full details

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics.

Port Harcourt, Rivers state - Supporters of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, have clashed with the loyalists of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

As reported by The Punch on Thursday, July 25, the clash which happened in Obio/Akpor local government area (LGA) of Rivers state affected a baby.

Eyewitnesses said the clash happened on Wednesday, July 24, during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, Obio/Akpor LGA.

It was gathered that no sooner had the programme started than some supporters allegedly loyal to the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue to find out the reason for the gathering.

The venue is said to be near the residence of Amaewhule, who is the leader of the 27 state legislators loyal to Wike.

But supporters of the caretaker committee chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, loyal to Fubara, who were at the venue allegedly stopped them from accessing the venue, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash.

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Following the confrontation, stones were pelted from several directions, as the medical outreach was disrupted.

A few minutes later, a team of anti-riot policemen arrived at the scene, firing teargas to disperse the opposing groups and quell the situation.

It was gathered that a child was tear-gassed during the mayhem and became unconscious.

Legit.ng reports that it is not the first that loyalists of the two Rivers politicians will be fighting.

In October 2023, police operatives fired teargas and water cannons at Governor Fubara as he walked along a road in Port Harcourt, protected by a handful of security operatives.

Similarly, in June 2024, the police took over all 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of sacked local government chairmen.

More to come...

Source: Legit.ng