Rivers Government Reveals Identity Of Prime Suspect Behind Port Harcourt Explosion, Says He’s Wike Loyalist

The Rivers State government has revealed the identity of Josiah Preye as the prime suspect behind an explosion near the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt. The incident occurred during a protest allegedly organized by supporters of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister. Preye, described as a university graduate residing in Port Harcourt, was implicated through a video showing him participating in the protest and handling an explosive device.According to the government’s statement, the protest aimed to support the police’s occupation of local government offices, which had been disputed due to expired terms of elected officials. The government accused Preye and others of being hired to create chaos and justify calls for a state of emergency in Rivers State, thus undermining the current administration’s governance efforts.The government linked Preye to a group allegedly backed by prominent figures like Martin Amaewhule, Kingsley Chinda, and others associated with Wike. They claimed these individuals financed the protest to extend the tenure of local government chairmen beyond their legal mandate. The attempted explosion near the Presidential Hotel, intended to cause pandemonium during a visit by federal lawmakers, resulted in Preye’s injuries and subsequent hospitalization.The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing all involved in the incident to justice and restoring order. It portrayed Preye and his associates as threats to public safety and democracy, accusing them of employing criminal tactics to achieve political ends.In conclusion, the Rivers State government’s narrative painted Josiah Preye as a willing participant in a disruptive protest orchestrated to manipulate public sentiment and destabilize governance. The incident underscored broader political tensions and concerns over the rule of law in the region.