Group support Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers

• says long overdue

A Coalition of nine civil society organizations under the aegis of CSOs Strategists, has affirmed the political correctness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of State of emergency in Rivers state.

The group in a statement jointly signed by its convener Comrade Balogun Hameed and eight other co-conveners, insisted that given the situation of total disregard for rule of law and a clear failure of virtually all resolution mechanisms explored, the presidential declaration is a proactive one.

Adding that the intervention of eminent personalities to broker truce thus far, had yielded no good fruits.

“As the power tussle was gathering storms in the State, respected, well meaning leaders of thought from all gamuts of Rivers State have initiated resolution mechanisms, that failed woefully.

“Even Mr. President called the feuding parties to peace session.

“All the resolutions arrived at, were executed in breach as violence, gangsterism and anarchy took over the land.”

CSOs Strategists opined that: “With brewing violent bellicosity between godfather, former Governor Nyeson Wike and his estranged godson, Governor Similaye Fubara, all tenets of constitutional democratic governance have long been jettisoned, as the State is held captive by the rule of whims and caprices of individuals at the detriment of development as well as welfare of the citizens.

“Failure of amicable diplomatic, political, social and cultural resolutions long before the declaration of the state of emergency eloquently demonstrate that the rule of law, constitutional democratic governance have irretrievably collapsed.

“For, the avoidance of doubt, the CSOs Strategists strongly believes and supports Mr. President as he acted within the protection of his constitutional powers just as he is adequately within the ambience of his social responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of hapless citizens, as enshrined in section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Restating an unflinching support for the President’s decisive step targeted at the protecting the nation’s economy, which is seemingly threatened by recent developments, the group called for thorough investigation to unravel those behind the economic sabotage so as to bring them to book.

“As we support the bold decision of President Tinubu to protect the nation’s economic interests, preserve the rule of law and constitutional democracy as well as ensure requisite peaceful atmosphere necessary development, we unequivocally call for thorough investigations of all and any elements in Rivers State who are responsible for the breakdown of law and order, sliding the State to the precipice of anarchy that may affect the nation.

“ They should be apprehended and diligently prosecuted. No sacred cow is above either the law or Nigeria.”

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Giving a trajectory of what led to the eventual declaration of state of emergency, the group urged the National Assembly to also wade in and safe the day.

“We cannot forget a few of this violent constitutional violations in hurry;- attempt to foster the rule of Minority 3 Legislators over Majority 27 Legislators, demolition of the State House of Assembly, rendering redundant the Legislative Arm of Government, which is crucial for the functioning of democratic governance, defilement of the Judiciary by refusing to honor its pronouncements, inability to conduct elections into the third tier of government, the Local Government Councils in contradiction of Supreme Court Judgement.

“Withholding of the State Monthly Allocations by the Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Commission due to this infractions.
“Thus, stalling developmental pace of the State, preventing the people from enjoying the dividends of democracy.

“As if this was not enough, investigations are coming out that the Governor as he threatened, was behind recent escalation of resurgence of armed militants activities in the State, leading to the blowing up of a number of critical oil installations.

“No Government will fold arms, sit like a lame duck while the mainstay of its economy as oil is to Nigeria, is being vandalized, sabotaged and plundered. This is pure economic sabotage!!!

“We call on the National Assembly to expedite resolutions to avert the spectre of looming lawlessness in Rivers State.

“The Government and citizens must be eternally vigilant, watchful of the antics of agent provocateurs.

“We urge the people of Rivers State, global democratic institutions, Civic Trenches Organizations and all well meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore peace and order in the beleaguered Rivers State.”