Supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed with those of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday during a medical outreach in Eliozu community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The confrontation reportedly began when state Ministry of Health officials were conducting a medical outreach for women at Eliozu Health Centre.
Supporters allegedly loyal to factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue near Amaewhule’s residence to inquire about the event.
However, supporters of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Caretaker Committee Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo, aligned with Governor Fubara, reportedly prevented them from entering, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash.
Stones were thrown from various directions, disrupting the medical outreach.
Shortly after, riot police arrived and used teargas to disperse the groups and restore order. One child affected by the teargas was promptly treated at a nearby medical facility and recovered.
The disrupted medical outreach was later relocated to a state-owned facility in Port Harcourt.
Ihunwo accused Amaewhule of orchestrating the disruption, alleging that the former Speaker had led security personnel to interfere with the Ministry of Health’s program.
“A few minutes later, some policemen came and started beating up our women, shooting teargas at pregnant women who were at the health centre.
“We want to say that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be under siege. 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.
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“We are calling on you to call them to order so that Rivers State can have peace. Let the FCT Minister concentrate on his job in Abuja and leave our dear Governor alone.”
When contacted, Martins Wachukwu, media aide to Amaewhule, said he would speak to our correspondent on Thursday morning.
Wachukwu stated tersely, “Please I will speak to you tomorrow morning.”
The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
Iringe-Koko, in a short message to our correspondent, said the police responded to a distress call over the scenario, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
She stated, “A distress call was received from the health centre in the Eliozu community today, July 24, 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.
“The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”