A group of Nigerian stakeholders operating under the auspices of the Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria have denounced the recent remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers State branch, which called for a state of emergency due to the state’s ongoing political unrest.
Remembers that on Wednesday, amid the issue surrounding the terms of the 23 local government chairmen, APC’s Tony Okocha, the chairman of the Caretaker Committee, called on the federal government to impose a state of emergency in Rivers during a news conference in Port Harcourt.
The summons came after a fight between Siminalayi Fubara’s and his immediate predecessor Nyesom Wike’s security personnel resulted in the deaths of two of them.
The group responded to the Rivers issue by claiming that the APC’s action was a “deliberate and calculated manoeuvre aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency” at a press conference on Friday in Abuja.
The group’s executive director, Dr. Ekeanyanwu Promise, claimed that a state of emergency would be detrimental to democratic administration.
“We are dismayed and apprehensive about the recent declaration by the All Progressives Congress, APC, advocating for a state of emergency in Rivers State. This proposition, rather than offering a solution, appears to be a deliberate and calculated manoeuvre aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency.
“We, therefore, unequivocally and emphatically condemn the APC’s call for a state of emergency in Rivers State, as it is not only unwarranted but also a deliberate attempt to plunge the state into chaos, confusion, and turmoil. This move is a thinly veiled ploy to conceal their culpability and destabilize the peace in Rivers State for political gain.
“While we acknowledge that the security situation in Rivers State is a concern that requires attention, we urge the relevant authorities to adopt proactive measures that address the root causes of the issue. Declaring a state of emergency is not a viable solution, as it will only lead to further violence, displacement, and human rights violations”, he said.
