Tension is spreading over the heavily industrialized Eleme axis of Rivers State as youths suspected to be supporters of the embattled State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara Friday morning shut down venue of a proposed seminar being organized by supporters of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.
The seminar was to hold at the Conference Center known as Otoor Eleme (Eleme House) in Ogale, headquarters of Eleme Local Government Area which is adjacent to the police Area Command.in the area.
The scene was reminiscent of what happened on June 28, 2024 when pro Wike and pro Fubara youths clashed at the local government headquarters over the control of the council following the expiration of tenure of the elected local government chairmen who sought tenure elongation.
When some of the youths were mobilizing to the venue, their frightening mien forced some business owners to shut down their businesses fearing their premises could be looted.
The youths who were regaling themselves with drumming and dancing infront of the proposed venue of the seminar barricaded the ever busy Eleme- Onne axis of the East – West Road under reconstruction by the Reynolds Construction Company RCC, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through the villages.
No fewer than 20 police patrol vehicles including Amored Personnel Carriers were stationed within the vicinity with arm bearing policemen hanging around.
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None of the youths consented to speak to The Trumpet, but one of the youth leaders in Eleme told The Trumpet in confidence that the boys were pro Fubara who got wind of a proposed seminar by the Wike camp and they mobilized to the scene to abort it.
As at the time The Trumpet visited the scene, the youths were orderly, but a man suspected to be either a potential beneficiary of the proposed seminar or Wike supporter was nearly lynched before some policemen intervened to save him.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Grace Iringe-Koko said she was not yet aware of the development. She however promised to confirm and get back to our correspondent.
The State Governor,Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike have been at daggers drawn over the control of the PDP structure in the state.
Their face off has polarized both public opinion in the state and members of the state PDP.
