Tension in Rivers as Wike reportedly seeks military intervention ahead of political showdown in Abalama, Rivers
By OUR REPORTER, Abuja
Wike is said to have appealed to the Chief of Army Staff to deploy troops to the area and allegedly instructed them to “shoot anyone” perceived to be causing trouble, although he is not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to so order the Chief of Army Staff. Such attitude, our sources, however, suggested was possibly coming from him to underscore the level of self-confidence he has under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to assume that he has enormous powers to do anything albeit transient.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly requested the deployment of troops to Abalama Community in Rivers State.
This was coming amidst rising tensions ahead of a potentially violent clash between his supporters and those of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Sources indicated that Wike requested the Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, urging military intervention to prevent any outbreak of violence during a scheduled event in the state on Saturday 15 March, 2025.
At the center of the brewing crisis is a planned Thanksgiving Service and civic reception in honor of Wike, which has been met with stiff resistance from King A.B. Tom Tom, the Amayanabo of Abalama.
The traditional ruler reportedly refused to grant permission for the event, a move that has angered Wike’s supporters, who remain determined to proceed with the gathering despite the opposition.
Compounding the tension, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has scheduled a solidarity rally for Governor Sim Fubara on the same day and at the same venue.
The development has raised fears of a violent confrontation between the rival political factions.
Sensing the imminent danger, Wike is said to have appealed to the Chief of Army Staff to deploy troops to the area and allegedly instructed them to “shoot anyone” perceived to be causing trouble, although he is not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to so order the Chief of Army Staff.
Such attitude, our sources, however, suggested was possibly coming from him to underscore the level of self-confidence he has under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to assume that he has enormous powers to do anything albeit transient.
The DEFENDER as at press time Friday night was unable to know whether the Army chief would grant or had granted his request or not.
