A faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, which is reportedly loyal to the former Minister for Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has vehemently rejected the call for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. This development comes amidst the backdrop of escalating political tensions following the inauguration of Siminalayi Fubara as the Governor of Rivers State.
Naija News had earlier reported that the opposition party in Rivers State had urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency due to the ongoing political crisis in the state. The crisis has been marked by violence and unrest, with various political factions clashing since the new governor took office.
In a press briefing held in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha, stated, “Rivers State is at war. And the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known.” Okocha’s statement reflects the gravity of the situation and underscores the urgency with which some members of the APC believe action should be taken.
However, not all members of the APC in Rivers State share Okocha’s perspective. A faction of the APC, led by Darlington Nwauju, has categorically rejected the call for a state of emergency. Nwauju criticized the members of the faction led by Okocha, labeling them as frauds and disputing their authority to speak on behalf of the entire party in the state.
Nwauju emphasized, “I wish to quickly inform the people of the State that the APC in Rivers State did not at any point in time hold any meeting amongst its members; or hold consultations amongst its leaders to decide that at this point in time, the best strategy or formula to nip in the bud the brewing political crisis is to demand for a ‘State of Emergency’.”
He further elaborated that “There were no such consultations; there were no such meetings, and so it cannot stand as the aggregate opinion of members of the APC across the 390 wards in Rivers State.” Nwauju’s statements aim to dispel any misconceptions about a unified stance within the party regarding the state of emergency.
Nwauju also warned Okocha and others to be mindful of the significant role Rivers State plays in Nigeria’s economy. He urged caution in dealing with the current challenges, stressing that creating further unrest is not a viable solution. The APC spokesperson expressed hope for peace, stating, “Our hope is that the Almighty will bring peace that transcends understanding to Rivers State.”
He also offered a prayer for divine blessings on the Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for unity and stability in the country.
The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified, particularly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara appointed and swore in local government caretaker committees. This move, which was approved by the state house of assembly loyal to Victor Oko Jumbo, has been met with resistance from some council chairmen loyal to the immediate past Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory. This resistance has led to violence in various parts of the state.
Okocha had earlier argued that the Governor and the Police were unable to manage the situation effectively, thus justifying the call for a state of emergency. He stated, “The governor is helpless, the Police are helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, the upsurge that is going on in the state. I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.”
The divergent views within the APC reflect the complexities of the political landscape in Rivers State. While some members advocate for drastic measures to restore order, others believe in alternative solutions that do not involve declaring a state of emergency. The situation remains fluid, and the actions taken in the coming days will be crucial in determining the state’s political stability.
