PORT HARCOURT, Rivers – In a significant show of support amidst a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, two members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, led a solidarity march to the State Government House backing Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The march, held on Friday, December 15, 2023, saw the involvement of members from the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), marking a robust response to the ongoing tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Abiante, representing the Andoni/Opobo/Nkiru Federal Constituency, and Goodhead, from the Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency, guided the IYC procession.
The march commenced from the UTC Junction along Azikiwe Road, proceeding through to the Government House, and concluded at the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Here, the lawmakers addressed the gathered youths, emphasizing their support for Governor Fubara.
This demonstration of support comes at a critical juncture in Rivers State politics. The region has been experiencing escalating tension due to a rift between the current governor and Wike, with several commissioners and members of Fubara’s cabinet resigning, citing personal reasons.
Hon. Goodhead, during the march, made serious allegations against Wike, accusing him of involvement in the killing of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim and misappropriation of funds meant for the Ogoni people.
She described Wike as a “pathological and demonic liar,” and urged security agencies to investigate his alleged connection to the officer’s death.
The political unrest in Rivers State, marked by these resignations and escalating allegations, underscores the challenging transition of power from Wike to Fubara.
