The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called upon Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to steadfastly uphold democratic values. The association emphasized the necessity for local government to be run by officials elected through a democratic process.
HURIWA firmly stated that Fubara’s initiative to organize Local Government Area (LGA) elections should not be impeded by former local government chairpersons appointed under ex-Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration.
The rights organization expressed outrage over what they deemed an ethical and constitutional violation, asserting that local government officials should not openly contest the authority of the current governor.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA encouraged the governor to move forward with the proposed elections, highlighting their importance in adhering to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The group further remarked, “It is unlawful for members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to publicly declare their switch from the PDP, the party under which they were elected, to the APC.”
They criticized the federal executive for seemingly endorsing actions that threaten democratic practices in Rivers State, citing instances where federally controlled police have acted outside the constitution.
One significant incident involved police intervention in local government secretariats, obstructing even appointed officials from performing their duties prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, despite Governor Fubara’s appointments being constitutionally valid.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Rivers State Police Command maintains loyalty to the Constitution and to the legitimate authority, which is currently Governor Fubara,” they stated.
The organization firmly believes that once a governor is elected through a democratic process, they should be allowed to govern without external interference, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding their election.
“Fubara has won the election and must be permitted to lead and ensure the stable development of Rivers State, as he has been doing,” they asserted.
HURIWA also called on all stakeholders to prevent any chaos in Rivers State, warning that any attempts to destabilize the governance of the state could have dire consequences for the entire South-South region.
“Given that Rivers State is among the wealthiest in the area, it plays a vital role in the economic stability of the South-South. Disrupting its governance would essentially jeopardize the entire region,” they concluded.
