Chijioke Ihunwo, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers, has alleged that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of the state, is orchestrating the closure of the Oginigba Market.
According to Ihunwo, Wike enlisted the services of police officers, specifically the Anti-Cultism Commander, CSP Mohammed, and the Commander of C41, CSP Masalachi, to enforce the closure.
In a statement made on Monday, Ihunwo accused the officers of invading the market, using tear gas, and shooting to intimidate traders and residents.
He called the actions an unjustifiable interference in local government affairs and a violation of the rights of the Oginigba community.
His words: “I got information that some armed policemen have taken over the Oginigba Market. It was opened by the local government. And immediately I have to reach out to the authorities.
“I have called the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operation. I have also spoken with the Commissioner of Police. In fact, I called him and he had to return my calls. I told him the information I got.
“Why will London and Marsalachi invade Oginigba Market and start shooting and spreading teargas on those who are trading inside the market?
“It is quite unfortunate that the Nigeria Police Force have made themselves available to be used by politicians who, in disguise, do not want peace in Rivers State.
“That market belongs to the Oginigba people and nobody can acquire land without paying the owners. As a local government, we will visit there immediately and I will tell the world what is happening.
“But I’m aware from the information that the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the closure of the market.
“For our people, I want to assure them that they should remain calm while we follow it up immediately. I also want to say that the commissioner of police should not be used by desperate people who want to own our state.
“What they are trying to do is just to cause a crisis but as a local government, two people cannot be mad at the same time. I’m going to follow it up legitimately immediately.
“I will also call back the commissioner of police to deploy those men out of there immediately. The land belongs to the Oginigba people and they should allow them at the markets.
“I also want to appeal to the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order because they are biting more than they can chew. All they are doing is to cause a crisis in our state.”
Despite the closure, Ihunwo assured residents that he would pursue a legitimate resolution and called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and prevent further misuse of the police force.
The chairman urged calm among residents while expressing his intention to personally visit the market to assess the situation.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring peace and protecting the interests of the community amid the escalating tensions.