Rivers State: Pipeline explosion rocks Gokana amid political tension

A devastating explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The blast, which occurred near the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road construction site, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky as fire spread into the surrounding mangrove.

The Trans Niger Pipeline is a critical federal oil transport pipeline that supplies crude to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but authorities are investigating potential links to recent threats from militant groups in the region.

This incident comes amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, with the Niger Delta Youth Council issuing a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu.

The group is demanding the restoration of the state’s revenue allocations, the cessation of impeachment efforts against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and a public retraction of remarks allegedly made by former Governor Nyesom Wike about the Ijaw people.

The explosion has sparked concerns about the potential disruption of oil production in the region, which could have significant implications for the national economy.

The Niger Delta Development Force, a militant group, had threatened to target oil installations if the federal government continues its interference in the state’s administration.

Impeachment looms?

Diaspora Digital Media had reported earlier that the Nyesom Wike-backed Rivers State House of Assembly has fixed a proposed date for Governor Fubara’s impeachment.

The move comes after the Assembly had issued an impeachment notice to the Governor on Monday.

The Assembly alleged that the Fubara administration is guilty of undermining the Rivers State House of Assembly and engaging in illegal and unconstitutional activities to avert his impeachment.

The 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have since been reinstated by the Supreme Court.

Speaking with DDM, our source, said the Assembly which reconvene to issue the impeachment notice after adjourning indifinitely, plans to hold an emergency session on Friday to carry out the impeachment.

He said the plot has the backing of the presidency irrespective of whether due process is followed or not.

“Even if the Chief Judge continues to distance himself from the Martin Amuwhele-led Assembly, the impeachment shall be carried out, as it would be adjudged that he refused to carry out his constitutional duty,” he explained.

“If everything goes as planned, Speaker Martin Amaewhule would become Acting Speaker on Friday. Fubara knows that the game is over for him,” he added.

Our source also alleged that the governor, in the past days has reached out to topshots in the country to plead with his estranged godfather Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on his behalf.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Judiciary has denied reports that the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Simon Amadi, was ordered by Governor Fubara to proceed on annual leave to thwart the impeachment plans.

Wike backs Impeachment plot

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has weighed in on the issue.

Wike reacted during a live media parley on Wednesday in Abuja.

“Heaven will not fall if he is impeached,” he said during the telecast.

He expressed frustration over the situation, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law while criticizing key figures within the governor’s inner circle.

According to him, “You can take a horse to drink, but you can’t force the horse to drink,” Wike remarked when asked about his potential involvement in the matter.

He recalled how elder statesman Ferdinand Alabararba had passionately advocated for an Ijaw governor, only to be later disregarded by the very person he had supported.

Wike said , “This elder statesman cried; he almost cried. This boy later insulted this elder statesman; now he can’t go back to him for help. Ordinarily, these are the people who will call the family people. Forget about me,” Wike said.

Wike defended his own adherence to due process and justice, expressing disbelief that a small number of lawmakers could enact legislation and expect it to be upheld.

He commended those who stand against illegality and stressed that elected officials should be treated with respect, not as subordinates.

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