Politics

Pro-Wike Protester was Killed in Port Harcourt Explosion

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 26th, 2024.

Pro-Wike Protester was Killed in Port Harcourt Explosion

Pro Wike protest

A middle-aged protester supporting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was reportedly killed by an explosion during a protest in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The explosion, allegedly caused by a dynamite the protester was carrying, occurred in front of Hotel Presidential, creating chaos among the demonstrators.

The victim, whose identity remains unconfirmed, was part of a group mobilized by political leaders from various wards in Obio/Akpor. These leaders and their supporters were marching to show their solidarity for Minister Wike. The protest was part of a series of demonstrations against the continued occupation of local government secretariats by officials whose terms had expired, a situation that has led to tensions with the Rivers State government.

According to an eyewitness, security forces quickly arrived at the scene and removed the victim’s body. The witness, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, identified key figures leading the procession: 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.

This protest in Obio/Akpor followed similar demonstrations in the Port Harcourt City and Ikwerre local government areas, all conveying the same message to the police. After the explosion, the protesters gathered at the Rumueme Civic Center in Port Harcourt, demanding that the Inspector General of Police maintain control over the local councils and resist any intimidation.

George Ariolu, the former chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, addressed the crowd, expressing support for peace and lawfulness in the state. He emphasized the importance of governance by law rather than by discretion or impunity. Ariolu encouraged the Inspector General and his officers to continue their efforts to maintain peace in Rivers State, despite actions that could provoke disorder.

In Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike led a similar demonstration, urging the police to continue their occupation of the council secretariats. Nwanosike argued that his tenure as council chairman had been extended by the state house of assembly and still had over five months remaining.

The Rivers State police command had not yet issued a response to the explosion at the time of this report. The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, had not responded to inquiries.