‘We’re at war’ — APC asks FG to declare state of emergency in Rivers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Rivers has asked the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Tony Okocha, chairman of the caretaker committee of the party in Rivers, said Siminialayi Fubara, the governor, and security agencies in the state are “helpless”.

Okocha said the federal government needs to “act fast” in Rivers following the decision of some former LGA chairmen who attempted to continue in office.

“The governor is helpless; the police are helpless,” the APC caretaker chairman said.

“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.

“I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.”

On Tuesday, Fubara asked the heads of local government administration to assume control of the 23 council areas of the state following the tenure expiration of the chairmen.

Despite the governor’s directive, some of the former LGA chairmen reportedly attempted to resume duty at the council secretariat.

They were eventually chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at some of the LGA secretariats in the state.

Police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters at the various LGA headquarters.

The governor has since sworn in caretaker committee chairs for the LGAs.