By Milcah Tanimu

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has alleged that the recent explosion in Port Harcourt was aimed at the Presidential Hotel. At the time of the incident, members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Privatization were staying at the hotel for an oversight function.

Eze condemned the actions of political followers of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, including former council chairmen and ex-lawmakers, accusing them of trying to turn Rivers State into a scene of violence and unrest.

On June 25, 2024, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt during a protest led by Wike’s political associates. The protest occurred despite warnings from the Commissioner of Police against such actions due to security concerns.

In a statement to the media, Eze described the protest as a tactic by “sore losers” to create chaos and disrupt the state’s peace. He criticized the political maneuvering as contrary to civilized behavior and a direct challenge to the state’s authority and law enforcement.

Eze expressed concerns that investigations into the explosion might be compromised, noting reports that the Force Headquarters is under pressure to transfer the prime suspect to Abuja, where Minister Wike holds significant influence.

He urged the Inspector General of Police to resist any interference in the investigation and called on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to summon the protest leaders, including Hon. O.K. Chinda, former Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and former Chairman George Ariorlu, to explain their defiance of police warnings and their role in the violent incident.