The Rivers State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday the arrest of approximately 200 youths in the state capital for allegedly invading the residence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt.
The incident led to injuries sustained by several others.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringo-Koko, reported that the youths attempted to force their way into the Speaker’s residence, demanding Amaewhule’s eviction while asserting that he was no longer the Speaker.
A clash broke out at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Monday when a faction of the state legislators, led by the former House Leader, Edison Ehie, claimed that 26 of his colleagues had impeached Amaewhule, electing him as the new Speaker.
Despite resistance from security operatives, the youths persisted in their efforts to access the building. Security forces resorted to firing into the air to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries.
Reports indicated that Chijioke Ihunwo, the state chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State branch, was among those arrested.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, stated, “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.
The youths reportedly occupied the entrance leading to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, continuing their protest against the planned impeachment of the Governor by some lawmakers on Monday.
