The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to once again intervene in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, warning that failure to resolve the tensions could have dire consequences for the nation.
There had been tension in the state after the Supreme Court last Friday upheld the decision of the lower court by stopping the state allocation until a valid House of Assembly, which has Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is constituted.
Following the judgment, Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youths Council, warnied against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They warned that any move to remove him could destabilise the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production in the region.
However, in a statement on Saturday, the Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, expressed concerns over statements and actions that could undermine the rule of law, incite violence, or disrupt democratic integrity in Rivers.
He condemned the recent posture of the Ijaw Youth Congress, urging them to seek legal and constitutional means to address their grievances over the Supreme Court’s judgment.
He said, “ NCSCN is totally against any utterance or act that could undermine the rule of law, peace, stability, and democratic Integrity of Rivers State.
:Knowing fully well that statements that challenge the judicial system, incite violence, sow division, or undermine law enforcement amount to a treasonable felony.
“The Civil Society Council out-rightly condemns the war posture of the Ijaw Youth Congress, calling on them to tow legal options and lawful means of driving home their dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court Judgement.”
Appealing to Tinubu, he acknowledged his previous efforts to mediate the crisis but urged him not to relent in ensuring peace and stability in Rivers.
Akinlosotu said, “We use this medium to humbly and passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to once again wade into the Rivers crisis. We are aware of the past frustrated attempts made by him.
“However, as a large-hearted father and pillar of the Democracy of Modern Nigeria, we enjoin Mr President never to grow weary in seeking peace, unity and progress of any state under his Administration and oversight. Rivers cannot be allowed to plunge into anarchy as the consequences would be too expensive for the entire nation.”
He, however, urged the governor to avoid preemptive actions regarding potential impeachment moves against him, calling on all members of the House of Assembly to work together with the executive.
“We call on Fubara not to be pre-emptive of any plot of impeachment, but to rather pursue democratic tenets by re-presenting the State Budget to the legally recognized House of Assembly in fulfilment of the Supreme Court decision.
“All members of the Rivers State House of Assembly must put aside their grievances and work harmoniously with the executive for the greater good of the state,” Akinlosotu added.
