On the morning of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Port Harcourt experienced a state of chaos and disorder when a middle-aged protester tragically lost his life while attempting to detonate an explosive device in front of Hotel Presidential at around 9:45 am. Eyewitnesses described the scene as security agents swiftly responded to the incident and quickly removed the victim’s body from the area.
An anonymous observer highlighted the significant traffic disruptions caused by the protesters’ procession on their way to their intended destination.
This unfortunate event took place against a backdrop of political unrest, as leaders from different wards of Obio/Akpor gathered in solidarity for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Prominent figures such as Ogundu Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and George Ariolu, the former Council Chairman, led the march, advocating for the continued presence of the police in the councils to maintain order.
The solidarity march, which took place along Ikwerre road, further contributed to the traffic congestion in the area.
Ariolu emphasized the importance of governance by law and urged everyone to adhere to the rule of law in order to uphold peace and order in Rivers State. Amidst these political demonstrations, the IPO community women staged a protest at the Port Harcourt airport, escalating tensions and leaving passengers stranded.
Despite the challenges, Ariolu reiterated the call for peace, emphasizing the necessity of lawful governance and urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law.
As Port Harcourt grapples with both political turmoil and tragic events, the pursuit of peace and stability remains of utmost importance, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address the underlying issues and restore calm to the region.
