Rivers Governor Fubara Under Fire Over Attack on Amaechi and ADC Secretariat

A political advocacy group, the Rivers Liberation Movement (RLM), has criticised the Rivers State Government over what it described as silence following an attack on former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the burning of a secretariat belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The group also expressed concern that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, headed by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had not publicly addressed the incident days after it occurred.

Reports indicate that the attack happened last Friday along the Omuanwa–Ubima Road when gunmen believed to be political thugs allegedly fired shots at the convoy of Amaechi.

The former governor of Rivers State was said to be travelling to his hometown, Ubima, where he planned to formally register as a member of the ADC.

Sources in the area said the shooting created panic among residents and supporters who had gathered in anticipation of Amaechi’s arrival. Although no casualties were confirmed, the incident disrupted the planned political event.

Earlier on the same day, suspected arsonists had reportedly set ablaze the Ward 8 secretariat of the ADC in Ubima. The building was severely damaged in the fire, raising fears of growing political tension in the community.

Reacting to the developments, the convener of the Rivers Liberation Movement, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, condemned the attacks and warned that such actions could threaten democratic engagement in the state.

Nwibubasa wrote: “The attack on Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi during his visit to Ubima to formally register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the burning of the ADC Ward 8 Secretariat, represent a troubling escalation in the political climate of Rivers State.

“This was not merely an attack on a political figure or a party office. It was an attack on the democratic space itself. What is even more disturbing is the silence that has followed.

“The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as the chief security officer of the state, ought to have swiftly condemned this act and reassured the public that Rivers State will never be a theatre for political violence.

“Silence at such a moment sends the wrong signal and risks emboldening those who believe intimidation and arson are acceptable tools of political competition.

“Equally troubling is the silence from the office of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu

An incident involving violence and the burning of a political party secretariat should naturally provoke immediate law enforcement attention and a clear commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Political violence, when ignored, rarely ends where it begins. If acts like the Ubima attack are not firmly confronted, they risk poisoning the democratic environment, escalating tensions, and undermining public confidence in the rule of law.

“Rivers people deserve a political environment where ideas compete, not violence.

The attack must therefore be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Anything less would set a dangerous precedent with consequences none of us should wish for our state.”

The group called on authorities in Rivers State and federal security agencies to immediately investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.