Police in Rivers State arrested several youths for attempting to storm the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Martins Amaehle, who leads the 24 members of the House of Representatives against Governor Siminalei Fubara.
The angry youths stormed Amaehle’s private residence in Old GRA, Port Harcourt, and tried to pull down the gate. They were, however, repelled by armed security officials, who rushed in to control the situation and allegedly opened fire before arresting some of the youths.
Since the impeachment process of Governor Hvara began on Monday, mainly Ijaw youths have occupied the main gate of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
Spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council of the World (IYC), Bedford Benjamin, confirmed the situation but said the youths have no intention of attacking Amaehle’s residence. He said the disgruntled youths only went there for a peaceful protest and condemned the decision of the security authorities to open fire on them.
Benjamin said that there were uncertain reports that someone was killed by bullets and that many “protesters” were injured. He added that one of the youths, Chijoke Ifunwo, chairman of the River State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and many others were arrested and put in solitary confinement.
We strongly condemn the sporadic shooting of peaceful protesters in the factional speaker’s compound in Rivers State. One person was reportedly killed in the shooting. We demand the unconditional release of the Chairman of the Rivers State Youth Council and the many Ijaw youths who are being illegally arrested and detained. Peaceful protests are backed by law and anyone who attempts to usurp the will of the people will be resisted by the people.
We urge those charged with the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the state to refrain from political gamesmanship in the performance of their duties.
The IYC calls for immediate intervention by the federal government before the state, and ultimately the nation’s economy, is disrupted. In a democratic system, this level of civilian crime cannot be tolerated.”
The Rivers State Police Force has yet to comment.
