Pro-Wike Leaders Debunk Fubara’s Claim on Port Harcourt Explosion
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
Some pro-Wike leaders under the umbrella of Rivers Leaders Forum (RLF) have debunked allegations credited to State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, concerning attempted explosion at Hotel Presidential junction in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The forum described the allegations as “misinformation” and “deliberate efforts” to undermine the state’s peace and security.
Briefing journalists on Thursday, the forum explained that a peaceful march was held in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to show solidarity with former Governor Nyesom Wike and express gratitude to the police for maintaining peace despite provocative actions by the governor.
The group insisted that the march did not involve a failed attempt to blow up Hotel Presidential, as alleged by the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former lawmaker representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Senator Olaka Nwogu, accused Fubara of perpetuating a pattern of misinformation and urged the public to disregard his claims.
He emphasized that the peaceful march was a demonstration of support for Wike and a testament to his successful tenure as governor.
He said: “To be clear on the matter of the explosion at Hotel Presidential, there was no incident at the hotel associated with the Peace March, as the routes for the march are completely different from the location of Hotel Presidential.”
He highlighted the inconsistencies in Governor Fubara’s claims, stating that the peaceful walk in question had a distinct route, starting from Rumueme Civic Centre along Ikwerre Road and ending at People’s Club premises along Rumuola-Rumuadolu Road in the State capital.
He emphasized that the route did not come close to Hotel Presidential, which is located along Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road, contrary to the governor’s allegations.
He continued: “It’s only the Governor and Rivers State Government that knew that there were senators (guest) in Rivers State and we believe he and his team went ahead and planted a “fake explosive” detonator to act drama in other to cry wolf.
“We ask if the Governor or his Commissioner for Health, the Police detectives, or any other security agent that they are the only people that heard an explosion and also arrested the so-called culprit at Rivers State Government-owned hospital? Please, let the Police do their job.
“It is a common knowledge that at the spurious allegation that the State Assembly was to impeach the Governor, the Assembly Complex was bombed and now to be rebuilt at an exorbitant cost of N19 billion against an estimate of N9 billion from the Rivers State Ministry of Works.”
The Director General of NOSDRA, Emeka Woke, has condemned governor’s recourse to deception and misdirection.
Woke said his (governor) response to the current situation is reminiscent of his actions following the bombing of the Assembly, where he hastily accused Wike and promised investigations and prosecutions, yet has failed to provide any updates or accountability for the incident to date.
“Despite claiming he is not fighting anyone, his actions betray a more sinister intent. His statement that “the jungle has matured” speaks volumes about his true intentions. We are not fooled by his attempts to play the victim while he orchestrates chaos and blames others for his failures.