A town hall meeting in Port Harcourt on Friday descended into chaos as supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and those of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed publicly.

The meeting, which drew attendees from across the state, including supporters from both political factions and concerned residents, was intended to foster dialogue on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers.

Tensions flared when the President General of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Bright Amaewhule, took the floor and declared:
“There is no indigene of Rivers State who does not recognise the role GDI played in the emergence of Sim Fubara as governor. Before the campaign even began, we took Sim from one local government to another—this was not done by the Honourable Minister.

“GDI propelled Sim’s acceptance across Rivers State, even when his own kin rejected him. Now, those same people surround him, urging him to ignore others and abandon the political party that brought him to power. These are the root of the current problems.”

Amaewhule’s remarks prompted a sharp reaction from Labour Party’s Rivers State Chairperson, Hilda Dokubo, who was seated in the front row. She stood up and walked out, saying, “I can’t sit here and listen to this.” Organisers later persuaded her to return to her seat.

In response to Amaewhule, the next speaker, Mr. Kenwell Ibanibo, asked pointedly:
“GDI says they supported Sim Fubara, but what did he do to warrant an impeachment attempt just five months into office?
“The truth is, someone who believes he owns Rivers State orchestrated this and influenced the process.”

At this point, tempers flared. Chibike Ikenga, the factional chairman of the Rivers APC and a known Wike ally, interjected, leading to a shouting match. Ibanibo attempted to restore order, saying, “You spoke—I didn’t interrupt you.”

The verbal exchanges intensified, with a Wike supporter yelling, “Insult Wike now! You will still beg. You will still come lie down. The one who lies down hasn’t even stood up, yet you talk!”

Dokubo snapped back, “He will not lie down! I said he will not lie down! Is it not Wike who’s lying down somewhere now?!”

The event anchor made repeated efforts to restore calm, while civil society figure Mr. Jake Epelle also appealed for restraint. Bouncers soon entered the hall, taking strategic positions to manage the escalating tension.

Eventually, Ibanibo offered to leave the stage temporarily, which helped de-escalate the situation and allowed proceedings to resume.

However, the peace proved fragile. Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs was interrupted during her speech by Mr Ikenga. She responded curtly, “I don’t know when you spoke, but I did not interrupt you. Please allow me to speak. If I don’t speak for you, I speak for myself.”

The fracas underscores the deep divisions and volatility surrounding the political impasse in Rivers State. While a peace and reconciliation process is reportedly underway, Friday’s events suggest that lasting resolution may still be a long way off.