The political faction led by Nyesom Wike in Rivers State is allegedly mobilizing 20 youths from each ward, offering them N15,000 each, to block council secretariats and prevent Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s faction from accessing them, sources revealed to SaharaReporters.
It is understood that Governor Fubara plans to swear in the newly elected local government chairpersons today (Sunday), but Wike’s faction is reportedly plotting to obstruct the elected officials from entering the council secretariats.
Governor Fubara is scheduled to administer the oath of office to the newly elected chairpersons at the Executive Council Chambers in the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, dated October 6, 2024, confirmed that the swearing-in would take place on Sunday.
However, concerns are mounting that this event may escalate the ongoing political tensions in the state.
“There is the possibility of a crisis in Rivers State on Monday. Fubara is swearing in the chairmen of local government councils elected at the weekend to resume work on Monday.
“Meanwhile, the Wike group is mobilising 20 youths paid N15,000 each from each ward to block the various council secretariats to prevent the Fubara group from entering,” one of the sources said.
The state police command confirmed on Saturday that two explosions occurred during the local government elections.
According to the police, the first blast took place at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat on Aba Road, while the second struck the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat, just outside Port Harcourt.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko reported that the explosions happened almost simultaneously.
She also noted that officers were dispatched to the scenes to collect evidence for investigation.
The police said on Saturday, “The first explosion was reported at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road at approximately 3:00 AM. A security guard heard a loud bang, and upon investigation, observed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene. The explosion caused significant damage, destroying the gate, shattering the windows, and setting the security building on fire.
“The second explosion occurred at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black Toyota Hilux van and a white Toyota Sienna minivan drive past the secretariat. The occupants allegedly threw an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which shattered the roof and damaged the generator house of the complex.
“In response to these incidents, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Anti-Bomb Squad were mobilised to both locations.”
This development occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions, with former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo openly expressing his support for Governor Fubara.
In a heated statement, Dokubo accused Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of deploying soldiers and police against him.
“Wike’s soldiers and police have been flying over my house with two helicopters. I have the capacity to contain them,” Dokubo stated.
He continued his defiance, saying, “Nigeria cannot surrender to Wike. Rivers people will not surrender to Wike. I have the capacity to contain them, and the government knows that. Let them tell Wike to back off.”
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“I am 60 years old. I have never been afraid of death. I always embraced death,” he said.
He further threatened to take action if provoked.
“I didn’t go and look for their helicopter to shoot it down. I will shoot down their helicopter. I swear by Allah,” he said.
In his final warning, Dokubo added, “Whoever is commanding them should be warned. Enough is enough that Tinubu should handover.”
Dokubo also questioned Wike’s current influence, stating, “Wike is nobody without the paraphernalia of the office. Let them remove this thing from him and let us see.”
(Saharareporters)
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