Some youths suspected to be thugs yesterday disrupted a rally to celebrate the Supreme Court victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Ahoada-West local government area of Rivers State.
The youths, who were alleged to be acting on the orders of the chairman of the local government area, Hope Ikiriko, vandalised canopies and chairs at the initial venue set for the rally.
The programme was moved to another location where Ikiriko later appeared to clear the air on the allegation, while the rally was held successfully thereafter.
Speaking during the programme, the council chairman said: “We are aware that the state government has done theirs at the state level, it is important that we also domesticate it by having our own thanksgiving here in the local government.
“I will also urge you to carry on even in your local government, it’s important you carry out such thanksgiving.
“I will leave you very soon but I will urge that we conduct ourselves very well. We have advised ourselves and I am sure the Assembly member will inform you and convey the message of security agents and our office, we sat down and tried to sort ways to ensure peace in this programme.”
Despite the attempt by thugs to disrupt the programme by vandalising canopies and chairs at an initial venue, the event’s attendance was impressive, with past and serving lawmakers and commissioners as well as the representative of the governor, Evans Bipi, also in attendant.
Speaking at the event, leader of Fubara’s supporters in Ahoada West and one of the four Assembly members loyal to him, Sokari Goodboy, urged the Presidency and the police high command to take note of the provocative action.
In his speech, the governor’s representative, Evans Bipi, advised the crowd not to be intimidated by rumours that they are to be suspended from the PDP, among other threats.
The supporters also received defectors from the opposition party into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to back Governor Fubara.
The rallies to celebrate the victory of the governor at the Supreme Court have continued across the state, with supporters organising street processions or open-air thanksgiving services.