FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADE (FHRACC)
National Secretariat:
No. 1 Dianmo Quarters,
Ayakoromo,
Burutu LGA,
Delta State
Nigeria.
Email: fhracc4@gmail.com
The lingering political crisis in Rivers State between the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be arrested by the Federal Government of Nigeria before it gets out of proportion. The unpleasant banters and the uncomplimentary bickering being hauled at each other by both parties particularly at the build up of the incoming re-run elections in the State has a cause for concern. We viewed that both parties valued their inordinate ambitions more than the lives of the common Rivers people who hitherto formed the bulk of voters they seek to get, hence the open declaration of war against each other.
The type of political brinkmanship holding sway the campaign of both parties at the incoming re-run elections fall short of a standard of political practice. What they are doing now is a declaration of war against each other at the election day whereby supporters of both parties will unleash mayhem on each other. It must be known that the electorates which should have been the campaign target for both parties will be the ones to bear the brunt should there be any form of political violence during the elections. Gone are the days where election is won through the trigger. Former President Jonathan has consolidated our electoral system thereby entrenching a world class system wherein election can only be won by the ballot through electoral campaign that is devoid of any form of hoipolloi.
The media tirades between the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike and the Transport Minister, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi with all due respect to both leaders, lack probity. The actions of these standard bearers from the two political parties are fast stoking up election violence in the State. The situation must be nipped in bud by the FG before it escalates into full blown political violence. We want to commend President Buhari’s promise to protect lives and property in the State. Mr President should therefore see beyond party line to tackle the security situation in the State. There should be no sacred cow. Anybody caught perpetrating violence against Rivers people should be made to face the law.
