Tensions boil as Wike, Fubara loyalists clash at Port Harcourt town hall meeting

A town hall meeting convened to discuss the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State descended into chaos on Friday as supporters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and loyalists of the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, engaged in a heated exchange in Port Harcourt.

The event, which was expected to serve as a platform for dialogue among Rivers residents, quickly turned into a battleground of words and accusations as representatives from both camps took turns to defend their political allegiances.

The drama began when Bright Amaewhule, President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI)—a political pressure group known to support Wike—claimed credit for Fubara’s rise to power.

Addressing the audience, Amaewhule asserted that it was GDI, not the minister, who introduced and marketed Fubara to Rivers people during the pre-campaign season.

“There is no indigene of Rivers State that would not recognise the role GDI played in the emergence of Sim Fubara as governor,” he said.

“We moved Sim from one local government to another, not the honourable minister. Even when he was rejected by his own people, we stood by him.”

His comments drew immediate reaction from Hilda Dokubo, a Nollywood actress and Chairperson of the Labour Party in Rivers State. Visibly angered, she rose from her seat at the front of the hall and exclaimed, “I cannot sit here and listen to this!” Though she was persuaded by organisers to return to her seat, her interruption signalled the beginning of a verbal storm.

Moments later, Kenwell Ibanibo, another speaker, questioned the motivations behind the political attacks against Governor Fubara.

“What did he do to warrant an impeachment attempt just five months into office?” he asked pointedly. “Somebody somewhere, who thinks he owns Rivers State, is clearly pulling the strings.”

READ ALSO: Wike reveals details of reconciliation talks with Fubara

Ibanibo’s remarks provoked supporters of Minister Wike, particularly those led by Chibike Ikenga, the factional APC Chairman in Rivers State. They disrupted the proceedings, yelling over Ibanibo’s speech and challenging his assertions.

“You spoke, I didn’t interrupt you,” Ibanibo repeated as the hall grew louder, trying to maintain his stance amid the escalating tension.

The situation became even more volatile when a supporter of Wike shouted provocatively, “Insult Wike now! Una go still beg, una go still come lie down. Person wey lie down never stand up una dey talk!”

This drew an immediate retort from Dokubo, who had returned to her seat but was clearly still agitated. “Him no go lie down! I say him no go lie down!” she shouted back. “No be Wike, lie down for somewhere so!?”

Efforts by the event anchor to restore calm were initially unsuccessful, as supporters from both factions hurled accusations, taunts, and counter-insults across the hall.

The commotion forced security personnel to take up strategic positions within the venue, anticipating a physical confrontation.

Notable civic advocate Jake Epelle was also seen making efforts to mediate, urging participants to maintain decorum and allow the meeting to proceed peacefully.

Eventually, Ibanibo agreed to step away from the podium “for the sake of peace,” a move that helped to de-escalate the tension and allowed the event to continue.

The town hall, while intended as a space for inclusive dialogue, instead laid bare the deepening rift between supporters of Minister Wike and Governor Fubara—a rift that continues to fuel political instability in Rivers State.

Observers say the fracas reflects broader questions about loyalty, political godfatherism, and governance in the state.