In the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed with the supporters of former governor Nyesom Wike, purportedly using tear gas on the infant, rendering it comatose.
Information surfaced that the altercation occurred during a government health visit in the Obio/Akpor LGA town of Eliozu.
Our correspondent was informed by eyewitnesses that the trouble sprang from the state Ministry of Health workers doing a women’s health outreach at the Eliozu Health Center.
It was reported that shortly after the event began, several apparently devoted followers of the divisive Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, showed up at the location to inquire as to why the group was there.
The location is reportedly close to Amaewhule’s house, the leader of the 27 legislators who support Wike.
However, Fubara-aligned supporters of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, who was present at the event allegedly prevented them from entering, sparking a furious dispute and eventual altercation.
After the altercation, stones were thrown from both sides, and the medical outreach was suddenly cut off.
In response to the event, Amaewhule was accused by Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo of inciting police officers to obstruct the outreach.
Ihunwo said, “There was an incident this morning at the Eliozu Health Center where some security men were led by the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to interrupt a program by the Ministry of Health.
“After a little while, some police officers arrived and began abusing our women while directing tear gas at expectant mothers who were at the health center.
We would like to clarify that there will not be a siege in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. We would like to inform President Bola Tinubu that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Inspector General of Police are damaging the reputation.
We are pleading with you to control them so that peace can exist in Rivers State. Our beloved governor deserves the FCT Minister to focus on his work in Abuja. Let him be alone.
Grace Iringe-Koko, a spokesman for the state police command, verified the occurrence when reached.
In a brief message to our correspondent, Iringe-Koko stated that the police responded to a distress call regarding the situation and that they continued to investigate.
“A distress call was received from the Eliozu community health center today, July 24, 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were fighting,” she said.
In an effort to reestablish law and order, the police sent operatives to the scene.
“To disperse the protesters, the police used anti-riot techniques, including the use of canisters. An inquiry into the situation has been started.
