Did youths burn down Wike’s house today?

Michael Adesina

Reports of violent protests and attacks on former Governor Nyesom Wike’s residence in Rivers State have been circulating.

The reports were further amplified by PDP News Page on Facebook.

According to the reports, protesters burnt down the house of Wike, several vehicles parked at the property, while expressing their outrage over recent political developments in the state.

The reports also quoted eyewitnesses, saying “the youths chanted slogans against Wike and vowed to prevent him from returning to Rivers State, accusing him of betrayal and political interference. Security forces have been deployed to restore order, but the situation remains tense as more protesters gather in different parts of the state.”

However, investigation by PM News, revealed that the reports of arson were fake.

When contacted, the Rivers State Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the reports are “fake news” and “not true”

Meanwhile, further investigation by PM News suggest that there are actual plans to attack Wike’s properties in the state.

One of the political actors in Rivers State confirmed to PM News that “men mount” and are ready to destroy anything connected to Wike in Rivers.

He said: “The report of youth burning down Wike’s house is not true, but I can’t lie to you that there is no plan to destroy anything Wike in Rivers. Men mount, but our leader said he wants peace. We want to burn down his hotels, but we have not been given the instruction to do so.”

Another political actor also confirmed the intention to engage in violence, but waiting for orders.

She said: “Look, Asawana no be love song. We are ready, but our leader wants peace. Forget Federal backing, hand suppose don touch that Abuja guy. We go put ham for him body, but time never reach.”

The threats for violence is coming few hours after Wike threatened his successor as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to expect more trouble.

Speaking on Saturday while addressing his supporters during a grand reception organised for him by Ijaw stakeholders from the Kalabari Kingdom on the platform of the NEW Associates, Wike maintained that he would not stop the state Assembly from impeaching Fubara.

Wike said: “You’re already down, 2-0. But more are still coming.”