Men of the Rivers State Police Command on Tuesday, arrested no fewer than 200 youths, while scores were injured during an invasion of the residence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The youth who wanted to force their way into the residence were said to be demanding Amaewhule’s eviction, claiming that he is no longer the Speaker.
Recall that the former House Leader, Edison Ehie, told newsmen that 26 of his colleagues elected him as the new Speaker at a plenary held in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
It was further learned that the youth ignored the resistance of the operatives and made more attempts to access the building before the operatives shot into the air to disperse them, in a process that left scores with injuries.
It was gathered that a stray bullet hit one of the youth.
However, a member of the Ijaw Youths Council who gave his name simply as Thankgod, condemned the arrest, saying, “We did not touch his (Amaewhule) gate. We were just on a peaceful protest over what took place at the state House of Assembly.
“You know that some members (lawmakers) said they have signed a notice of impeachment on the governor, and we said it is illegal. It was a peaceful protest. You can see we are not armed.”
Online videos show the youth sitting on the ground at the premises of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau in Port Harcourt.
Our correspondent gathered that among those arrested was the state chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Chijioke Ihunwo.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Irnge-Koko, said she would find out and get back to our correspondent, but has yet to do so as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, a senior police source confirmed the incident, saying, “Those arrested are over 200. One of them is the Chairman of NYCN, Chijioke Ihunwo.
“One was seriously injured. The ones arrested are in custody.”
Earlier, the youths occupied the entrance leading to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, as they continued their Monday protest against the planned impeachment of the governor by some lawmakers.
The protesters vowed to resist any attempt to oust Fubara.
