In a resolute plea, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) fervently appeals to the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state.
Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, conveyed this pressing concern during a media briefing held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Okocha emphasized that Rivers State finds itself in a state of conflict, with identifiable individuals responsible for the tragic loss of lives.
Expressing deep concern for the current state of affairs, he stated, “The governor and the police are regrettably unable to effectively address this alarming escalation of violence.
Therefore, the APC in Rivers State urgently calls for the implementation of a state of emergency as a necessary measure to curb the ongoing mayhem. I implore the federal government to take decisive action without delay.”
According to constitutional provisions, the Federal Government holds the authority to proclaim a state of emergency in response to natural disasters, civil unrest, armed conflicts, medical pandemics, epidemics, or other biosecurity risks.
The Rivers State APC’s call for this action stems from the recent resurgence of hostilities between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The present crisis emerged when elected local government officials, whose tenures expired on Monday, June 17th, refused to vacate their positions.
They relied on a contentious law enacted by the 27 pro-Wike members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, extending their terms by an additional six months. This development has further exacerbated tensions and heightened the need for immediate intervention.
