A clash between supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and ex-governor Nyesom Wike’s loyalists in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area resulted in a baby being tear-gassed and becoming unconscious.
The incident occurred during a government medical outreach in Eliozu community, where officials from the state Ministry of Health were providing services to women on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses reported that trouble started when supporters of factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue and were stopped by Fubara’s supporters, leading to a heated argument and clash.
Reacting to the incident, Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, accused Amaewhule of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach.
He stated, “This morning there was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre where the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, led some security men to disrupt a programme by the Ministry of Health… We want to call on the President, Bola Tinubu, that the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of the FCT are tarnishing the image of your government.”
The state police command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying: “A distress call was received from the health centre in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight… The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order… An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”
