Rivers Crisis: Politicians supporting Wike embark on protest in Obio/Akpor

Several political leaders in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State staged a protest in support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Leading the protest were Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; Martins Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and George Ariolu, former Council Chairman.

The protesters are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain a presence in the councils and resist any intimidation.

Reports indicate that the march, which began on Ikwerre Road, has caused massive traffic congestion.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun earlier declared that his men will remain at the 23 council secretariats in the state pending the judgment of the court on the case between Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Egbetokun stated that the reason for keeping his men at the councils is to avert more crises.

The former council chairmen whose tenure ended on June 17, are insisting on tenure elongation, citing an amendment by Amaewhule and others has been set aside by a Rivers State High court.

Last Tuesday, a police officer and a local vigilante member were killed after supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Wike clashed at Omuma LGA of the state.