A town hall meeting organised by News Central on Thursday, May 15, descended into chaos as political factions clashed over worsening political crisis in Rivers State.
The event, which began at 11 a.m., was designed as a platform for stakeholders to engage on urgent issues including the state’s leadership crisis, pipeline vandalism, and security concerns. The forum drew participation from dignitaries, elder statesmen, civil society groups, and youth organisations.
While the event began on a promising note with contributions from key speakers, tensions quickly flared as discussions turned heated.
Bright Amewhule, President of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), sparked controversy when he remarked on the political origins of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“Our party gave him the platform, and he deserted it,” Amewhule stated, alluding to what he described as a betrayal by the governor.
Further disruption ensued when participant Kemwel Ibinabo raised concerns about the lingering influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike, questioning his continued political relevance in state matters. This triggered loud objections and verbal confrontations among attendees.
The situation intensified when Hilda Dokubo, Chairperson of the Labour Party in Rivers State, spoke candidly about political godfatherism.
“You can’t have a governor and have another person who is in charge,” she said, drawing both cheers and jeers from different segments of the crowd.
Former Rivers APC Chairman Igo Aguma also weighed in on the growing unrest, saying:
“Crisis merchants are the biggest beneficiaries and they claim peace. Let the crisis merchants take a backseat and allow the governor and his predecessor to resolve it amicably.”
He argued that certain forces within the state were deliberately fueling the conflict to halt development.
Pan-Niger Delta leader Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe echoed calls for dialogue and reconciliation.
“The problem is simple: Sim and his boss had an issue, they can solve it in a closed room. Elder statesmen should call them together to solve the issue. The state is currently being ruled by someone who is from Rivers State. Our economy is suffering today. Let us choose peace — all of us will suffer if there is no peace,” he warned.
Despite several heated moments, the forum was eventually brought back under control by organisers and security personnel.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director of News Central, reaffirmed the station’s commitment to public discourse.
“News Central is here to give Rivers State a voice during these challenging times. We will continue to provide a platform for constructive engagement and solution-driven dialogue,” he said.
The Town Hall meeting ended with a renewed call for peace, responsible governance, and collective action to restore stability in Rivers State.
