A group of Nigerian stakeholders under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria has condemned the recent comment by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC calling for a state of emergency over the lingering political crisis in the state.
Recall that the Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC, Tony Okocha, had in a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Rivers following the controversy surrounding the tenure of the 23 local government chairmen.
The call followed the killing of two security operatives when the supporters of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike clashed.
Reacting to the situation in Rivers, the group in a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, said the move by the APC was a “deliberate and calculated manoeuvre aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency”.
The Executive Director of the group, Dr Ekeanyanwu Promise, stated that the declaration of a state of emergency would undermine democratic governance.
“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.