Some pro-Wike Rivers leaders under the umbrella of Rivers Leaders Forum (RLF) have dismissed allegations made by Governor Siminalayi Fubara regarding an attempted explosion at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The forum described the claims as “misinformation” and “deliberate efforts” to undermine the state’s peace and security.
In a briefing, the forum clarified 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 Fubara, insisting 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 Senator 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 emphasised 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 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 Rumuiola-Rumuadolu Road. He emphasised 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.
Similarly, the Director General of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Emeka Woke, has condemned Fubara’s recourse to misdirection. Woke noted that Fubara’s 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.
