Reports have surfaced that two individuals associated with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have been taken into custody in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Among them is the legislator representing the Aboada West Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Sokari Goodboy. Additionally, a key figure of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Ezebunwo Ichemati, was also apprehended by law enforcement authorities.
The arrests reportedly occurred outside the venue of the National Executive Committee meeting of the PDP in Abuja on Thursday.
A video circulating online features a lady claiming to be part of Fubara’s media team, alleging that the two men were detained following orders from a Local Government chairman in Rivers State.
According to her, “All members of the media team from Rivers State were present together. Suddenly, the Local Government Chairman directed the arrest of the serving Assembly member representing the people of Aboada West.
“He then proceeded to give instructions to attack Ezebunwo and even tore his shirt.
“We are in confusion as he has ordered our arrest as well.”
It is reported that the two governor’s loyalists were then taken away by security personnel.
Upon reaching out to the Governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omotsegunwa, he confirmed the incident and urged for the immediate release of the detainees.
He expressed, “They were merely showing solidarity, so why detain them? Many other Governors were present with their supporters too.
“It is unjust to target individuals at the behest of one person. They must be freed at once.”
Out of the current 31 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly, 27 under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule align with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, whereas the remaining four stand with Fubara.
One from the latter group, former factional Speaker Edison Ehie, resigned from the Assembly and was subsequently appointed as Fubara’s Chief of Staff amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
It is noted that the State House of Assembly consists of 32 constituencies, yet one representative, Dinebari Loolo of the Khana Constituency 2, passed away in 2023.
However, a by-election has not been held to fill the vacant position.
Upon reaching out to the Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, the call was disconnected upon introduction by our correspondent.
As of the latest update on Thursday evening, there has been no response to a text message sent to his mobile.