Chaos Unfolds as Thugs Set Rivers State House of Assembly Ablaze.
Last night, Rivers State plunged into chaos when unidentified individuals set the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) ablaze. The attackers struck around 9:00 PM, causing mayhem within the Assembly premises while disarming security personnel. This incident transpired amid allegations of attempts to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the House Leader, Edison Ehie.
According to eyewitnesses, a white Hilux van carrying the assailants stormed the Assembly complex, which is situated opposite the State Command Police Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Presently, the Assembly complex is safeguarded by more than 17 security trucks and four Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), with over 50 federal security personnel on duty.
The Coalition of Democratic Vanguard (CDV), a civil society group, has vehemently condemned this act in a strongly-worded statement. The Chairman, Thompson Orumbo, and Secretary, Peter Nwabunna, emphasized the importance of upholding the democratic process and urged all parties involved to respect the people’s will.
Background Rivers State has been a battleground for power dynamics between Governor Fubara and Minister Nyesome Wike, with the former resisting the latter’s influence in state affairs. Despite his role as the FCT Minister, Wike has reportedly continued to exert control over the state’s governance, resulting in escalating tensions between the two leaders.
Recent reports indicate that Fubara’s attempts to assert his authority and resist Wike’s influence have strained his relationship with the minister, who is allegedly orchestrating moves to instigate the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor. Fubara, a former Accountant General of the state, was selected by Wike to assume the role of the state governor.
The CDV issued a stern warning to Minister Wike and his associates, reminding them that Rivers State is not a personal estate and should be governed in accordance with the people’s choice. The coalition called for a collective focus on the state’s unity, stability, and development, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of Rivers State citizens over personal and political interests.
