Former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, has condemned the violent disruption of a live Arise News television interview in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, describing the incident as a deliberate attempt to silence critical voices and an assault on press freedom and democracy in Rivers State.

Speaking after the attack, Dr. Nwibubasa said the invasion of Londa Hotel by suspected political thugs was not unconnected with comments he made during the interview on the political situation in the state. He noted that before the broadcast was forcefully halted, he had criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of excessive interference in Rivers State politics.

According to Dr. Nwibubasa, he had stated on air that the former governor was “politically drowning” and allegedly seeking people to blame amid the ongoing political crisis in the state. He said his comments were within the bounds of democratic debate and should not attract threats, intimidation or violence.

The former commissioner recalled that the attack occurred on Friday night while the interview was ongoing at a hotel in the Orazi axis of Obio/Akpor. He said the assailants stormed the premises, threatened him and members of the Arise News crew and ordered an immediate stop to the live broadcast.

Dr. Nwibubasa further disclosed that the attackers made away with broadcast equipment belonging to Arise News, an act he described as criminal and unacceptable. He called on security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

He warned that the rising wave of political thuggery and intimidation in Rivers State poses a serious threat to democratic practice, stressing that political disagreements must be expressed through lawful and peaceful means.

Dr. Nwibubasa also urged authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists and political actors, insisting that the media must be allowed to operate freely without fear, intimidation or violence.