Top political leaders from the different wards of Obio/Akpor are currently showing their solidarity for the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike in a protest march.
At the time of reporting, the demonstrators had gathered at the Rumueme Civic Center in Port Harcourt. Notable figures such as Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and George Ariolu, former Council Chairman, were at the forefront of the march.
Their primary demand is for the Inspector General of Police to maintain control over the councils and resist any attempts at intimidation.
The march is causing congestion along Ikwerre road as the procession advances.
This demonstration of solidarity with Wike coincides with recent actions by IPO community women, who on Tuesday, blocked the Port Harcourt airport in protest, leading to travel disruptions amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State.
While addressing the crowd, Ariolu said they were in support of peace and order in the state.
He said, “As the governor said, there is no sacrifice too much for peace. But there is no peace without justice. You must govern by the rule of law. Therefore, we are in support of governance by law not by discretion, not by impunity. Rivers is a state that complies with law and order. We are in support of the position of the Nigerian police. The inspector general under President Tinubu, has the right to bring peace to Rivers State, even when there are provocative actions that could lead to the breakdown of law and order.
“And so for us, we want to encourage the inspector general and his men, to continue to bring peace and order to Rivers state. We want to call on all, to abide by the rule of law. Let public officeholders understand that they must obey the law and order. And as a people, we are taking a peaceful walk of the local government this morning, to talk to the people, and to demonstrate our support for peace and order.”