‘Not a viable solution’ — group faults APC’s call for state of emergency in Rivers

The Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria (CCFN), a civil society organisation (CSO), has condemned the call for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

On Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state, following the controversy surrounding the tenure of the 23 LG chairpersons.

Tony Okocha, chairman of the caretaker committee of the APC in Rivers, said Siminialayi Fubara, the governor, and security agencies in the state are “helpless”.

“The governor is helpless; the police are helpless; therefore, the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in the state as a way of taming the mayhem and the upsurge that is going on in the state,” the APC caretaker chairman had said.

Reacting on Friday, Ekeanyanwu Promise, executive director of CCFN, who spoke at a press conference, said the move by the APC is a “deliberate manoeuvre” aimed at “exacerbating the existing instability in the state for political expediency”.

He described the call for an emergency rule in Rivers state as “reckless and undemocratic”.

Promise said relevant authorities should adopt proactive measures that address the root causes of the issue instead of a state of emergency.

“We are dismayed and apprehensive about the recent declaration by the All Progressives Congress (APC) advocating for a state of emergency in Rivers State,” Promise said.

“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 own culpability and destabilise the peace in Rivers State for political gain.

“The narrative being perpetuated by the APC is patently false and misleading, as they seek to portray themselves as innocent bystanders while deflecting accountability for the current situation.

“We, however, see through this smokescreen and recognise their actions for what they truly are – a deliberate attempt to manipulate the situation for political advantage.

“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.

“We have been observing with grave concern and trepidation the recent call for a state of emergency by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and we are firmly convinced that this declaration is not aligned with the best interests of Rivers State and its inhabitants. On the contrary, it appears to be a deliberate and calculated scheme designed to precipitate monumental chaos and confusion in the state, a development that is both unfortunate and deeply distressing.

“It is apparent that the APC is exploiting this call for a state of emergency as a smokescreen to obscure their own actions in Rivers State, a ploy that we, as an organization steadfastly dedicated to promoting peace and stability, cannot and will not condone.

‘The people of Rivers State deserve far better than to be exploited as mere pawns in a political game characterized by machinations and manipulation.

“We are persuaded that the APC’s call for a state of emergency is a politically motivated maneuver aimed at undermining the current administration in Rivers State, a dangerous plot to destabilize the state and create an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and turmoil.

“We wish to unequivocally condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the call for a state of emergency in Rivers State, as it would only serve to further destabilize the region, exacerbate the suffering of its people, and perpetuate a culture of political manipulation and exploitation.

“It is imperative to recognize that declaring a state of emergency is a drastic and extraordinary measure, not a political instrument to be exploited for partisan gain.

“Implementing such a measure would only serve to erode the trust of the populace in the democratic process, further disenfranchising the people of Rivers State and potentially exacerbating the existing tensions.”