Political Tensions Escalate in Rivers State as Wike Faction Allegedly Mobilizes Youths to Block Council Secretariats

Rivers State is on the brink of a political showdown as the faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike reportedly prepares to block local government council secretariats, denying newly elected officials access. This move comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the elected council chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Sources indicate that the Wike faction is recruiting and paying 20 youths from each ward N15,000 each to stage blockades at the council offices. This action aims to prevent the new officials from assuming office following Sunday’s ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the swearing-in would proceed despite the growing tensions. However, concerns are mounting that the confrontation could worsen the political crisis in Rivers, with potential unrest looming as the new chairpersons are set to take office on Monday.

“There’s a real chance of conflict on Monday. While Governor Fubara prepares to swear in the chairpersons, Wike’s group is organizing blockades to prevent them from accessing their offices,” a source revealed.

This escalating tension comes after two explosions rocked the state during the local government elections. The state police confirmed that blasts occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat along Aba Road and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat just outside Port Harcourt. The incidents, which took place around 3:00 AM, caused significant property damage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing black Toyota Hilux vans fleeing the scenes shortly after the explosions.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State police command, noted that investigations are ongoing, with bomb disposal teams dispatched to the affected sites.

Adding to the tension, former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has declared his support for Governor Fubara. In a fiery statement, Dokubo accused Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of using security forces to intimidate him, warning that he is prepared to respond forcefully if necessary.

“Wike’s soldiers and police have been flying over my house with helicopters. I have the capacity to contain them. Rivers people will not surrender to Wike,” Dokubo declared, adding that he would not hesitate to take drastic action if provoked further.