Rivers Crisis: Council Chairman Ihunwo Accuses FCT Minister, Wike, of Using Police to Close Market, Harass Residents

Port Harcourt — The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of deploying police officers to harass residents and close the Oginigba Market. Ihunwo claims that the police actions are part of a politically motivated attempt to seize control of the market and disrupt local peace.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Ihunwo alleged that officers from the Police Anti-Cultism Unit, led by CSP Mohammed, and the C41 Unit, under CSP Masalachi, were involved in the operation to shut down the market. He reported that the police used teargas and live ammunition to disperse traders, causing panic and disruption.

"I received information that armed policemen had taken over Oginigba Market, which was opened by the local government," Ihunwo stated. "I immediately contacted the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations and the Commissioner of Police to address the situation. Unfortunately, it appears that the police have allowed themselves to be used by politicians seeking to create chaos in Rivers State."

Ihunwo directly accused Wike of orchestrating the market’s closure, claiming the minister had ulterior motives. He insisted that the land on which the market is situated is ancestral and belongs to the Oginigba people, and that no legitimate purchase or compensation had taken place.

"A Campaign of Intimidation"

Ihunwo condemned the actions as a deliberate attempt to intimidate the people of Rivers State and seize their property under the guise of law enforcement. "This is ancestral land," Ihunwo said. "No one has received a kobo for this land. What Wike and his associates are doing is an attempt to take over the property by force."

Despite the escalating tension, Ihunwo urged calm among residents. "I want to assure our people that we will handle this matter legitimately," he said. "Two people cannot be mad at the same time. We will follow all legal avenues to ensure justice prevails."

He also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to intervene and restrain the officers involved. "These policemen are biting off more than they can chew. They are being used to create a crisis, but they will one day retire to their villages. Let them remember the fate of those who have gone before them," Ihunwo warned.

A Plea for Accountability

Ihunwo expressed dismay over the use of force to suppress the community's right to access their market and conduct business. He criticized what he described as a dangerous precedent being set by those in power. "Nigerians are watching as a man destroys democracy, and they are clapping," he said. "But a day of reckoning is coming. You cannot terrorize your own people and expect peace."

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of lawful resistance and accountability. "It is only God that is powerful. Our people should remain calm while we pursue justice."

The Call for Federal Intervention

In a final appeal, Ihunwo called on federal authorities to ensure the police are not used as tools of political oppression. He urged the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the officers and allow peace to return to Oginigba. "Let the police do their job, not become instruments of intimidation," he said.

As tensions rise, the people of Obio/Akpor and the wider Rivers State await further developments in the ongoing crisis.