The planned tour by the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, of Rumueprikom community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, home of Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, was yesterday aborted as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed.
At the end of the fracas, which broke out early yesterday at the Wimpey Junction, Ikwerre Road, section of the community, no fewer than eight people were reportedly wounded.
A former traditional ruler in the community, Chief Anthony Owabie, was also alleged to have shot his son, Clement, for refusing to join the APC.
It was gathered that Amaechi was scheduled to visit Rumuprikom yesterday in continuation of his meet-the-people tour of the 23 local government areas in the state which began on July 15.
Sources said youths had gathered at the Wimpey junction playing drums in anticipation of Amaechi’s visit to the area when shots rang out of Chief Owabie’s single-barrel gun.
However, while some people said it was a clash between members of the APC and PDP over the governor’s visit, other said Owabie had fixed a traditional festival which usually held on August 13 every year to coincide with Amaechi’ visit to give the impression that a large crowd turned out to receive the governor.
The sporadic shooting from the palace of the traditional ruler caused pandemonium with the people around scampering for safety.
Clement, who was said to have seven bullets buried in his body reportedly said, at the hospital where he was taken for treatment, that, “We had a family meeting. We saw the APC group; they damaged my brother’s (Evidence) car and my father shot me because I didn’t join APC. I don’t know if it is by force that I join a political party of his choice.
“My father shot me because I refused to join the APC. My father is angry that I and my brothers have refused join the APC. We have told him repeatedly that we have the right to join the party of our choice.”
Irate youths that attempted to storm Owabie’s residence were prevailed upon by a reinforcement of policemen that arrived at the scene to prevent the youths from attacking Owabie and destroying property.
The Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, who confirmed the incident, affirmed that Owabie shot his son and six people.
He said: “Chief Anthony Uwabie of Rumuprikom was arrested after he shot six people and his son.