A group of former Local Government Chairmen under the Ijaw strand in Rivers State has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political crisis, stating that adherence to the judgment is crucial for lasting peace and development, 9am news report.
Speaking on behalf of the group during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, former Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, accused Governor Fubara of hesitating to implement the apex court’s decision.
Sekibo criticized the governor’s rejection of a presidential intervention, which, according to him, would have ensured Fubara’s continued stay in office while maintaining harmony with the Rivers State House of Assembly. He alleged that external influencers, referred to as “conflict-preneurs,” were fueling the crisis by influencing the governor’s decisions.
“The Presidential intervention gave Governor Fubara victory by ensuring that he will never be impeached and encouraged him to work with the Assembly. However, he rejected it as unconstitutional, at the behest of these same few conflict-preneurs from within and outside the state,” Sekibo stated.
Allegations of Destabilization Attempts
Sekibo also expressed concerns about ongoing tensions and threats directed at the government, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. He accused some Ijaw ethnic leaders of attempting to destabilize the state by threatening to sabotage national oil infrastructure if Governor Fubara were impeached.
Among those he named were:
- Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Leader of the Ijaw National Congress
- Asari Dokubo, former militant leader
Sekibo condemned their statements, warning that such rhetoric could threaten Nigeria’s energy security.
“We stringently condemn those empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard such comments, which project the Ijaws in a bad light. These threats also attack the sensitivity of people from other ethnic groups in Rivers State who voted for Governor Fubara,” he said.
He further criticized Governor Fubara’s public statements, accusing him of fueling discontent instead of promoting peace following the Supreme Court’s verdict.
“Instead of calming down frayed nerves after the judgment, he personally, in a public speech, made allusions to his intentions to lead youths and supporters to promote violence,” Sekibo added.
The former chairmen defended impeachment as a constitutional process for holding public officials accountable and urged the Ijaw community to ensure that Governor Fubara does not engage in actions that could lead to his removal.
Sekibo also called on security agencies, including the Police, DSS, and military, to ensure the speedy and peaceful implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the need to protect Rivers State from further political instability.
“To ensure the speedy implementation of the Supreme Court Judgment, we call on the Police, the DSS, the military, and all other security agencies to spread their tentacles in ensuring prompt and peaceful enforcement of the ruling,” he stated.
He further urged Rivers youths, particularly those of Ijaw descent, to refrain from actions that could endanger lives and property in their communities.
Unified Call for Peace
The press briefing was attended by several former Local Government Chairpersons, including:
- Hon. Daniel Daniel (Ogu/Bolo)
- Hon. Akuro Tobin (Okrika)
- Hon. Erastus Awortu (Andoni)
- Hon. Onengiye George (Asari-Toru)
- Hon. Michael Williams (Degema)
- Hon. Ubile Jacks (Vice Chairman, Ahoada West)
- Hon. Tamunotonye Douglas (Vice Chairman, PHALGA)
All attendees advocated for adherence to the rule of law, calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
As the crisis continues to unfold, stakeholders and political observers are keenly watching how Governor Fubara navigates the Supreme Court’s decision and the growing calls for stability in the state.
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