Rivers crisis worsens as Fubara reveals why man wanted to blow up presidential hotel in Port Harcourt

• Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state accused Wike’s men of attempting to detonate an explosive device at a Port Harcourt
• A middle-aged man detonated an explosive, leading to his injury during a protest on Tuesday, June 25
• Meanwhile, Senator Orji Kalu, during a visit with the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, praised Governor Fubara for efforts in governance

Port-Harcourt, Rivers state—Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has alleged that the recent unsuccessful attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt was orchestrated by individuals seeking to provoke a state of emergency.

The governor said his actions are defensive, aimed at safeguarding the state from external threats and protecting its citizens’ autonomy.

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara speaks on Rivers crisis Photo credit: Siminalayi Fubara
Source: Facebook

Rivers crisis: What to know about attempted bombing

As reported by Vanguard, on Tuesday, June 25, a middle-aged man, who has not yet been identified, detonated an explosive device during a protest led by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The protest was in support of police presence at the 23 local government area secretariats amid a crisis over local government leadership in the state.

The main suspect involved in the failed detonation outside Hotel Presidential during a protest was apprehended and is currently receiving medical attention at the State University Teaching Hospital.

Fubara addresses senators amid Rivers crisis.

During a courtesy visit by the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by Senator Orji Kalu, Governor Fubara spoke about an attempted disruption during the committee’s presence in the state.

He said:

"Specifically, there was a plot to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because of your visit. However, by divine providence, the individual attempting this detonation accidentally triggered the explosive, resulting in severe injury to himself just moments later."The intention behind this plan was to generate enough chaos to prompt discussions of a state of emergency. The strategy was for when you reconvened on Thursday, a colleague from this state would raise the issue of emergency, supported by the events witnessed during your visit to Rivers State."Yet, when you walk with God, even those close to you planning wrongdoing may confess that God's favor rests with you due to your integrity. This is what preserves our state."

Senator Kalu speaks

During his address, Senator Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, stated that their visit to Rivers state was part of their oversight responsibilities concerning various projects.

Senator Kalu, representing Abia North senatorial district, called upon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to prioritize peace and urged him to rein in his supporters, as reported by Premium Times.

He stressed that this is crucial for fostering harmony and prioritizing the well-being of the state above all else.

Fubara links Wike’s men to attempted bombing in Rivers

In a related development, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, on Wednesday, June 26, described the failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential, a five-star hotel in Port Harcourt, as a deliberate plot to strengthen the call for a state of emergency in the state.

Legit.ng reported that Fubara accused the pro-Nyesom Wike supporters of carrying out the plot, describing Wike’s men as haters who wanted to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans.

Source: Legit.ng