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The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) is calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The council warns that if the tensions aren’t resolved, it could have severe consequences for the nation.
The crisis began on Friday after the Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to stop state allocations until a valid House of Assembly is constituted, with Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youths Council, have warned against impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating it could destabilize the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production.
The NCSCN’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu in a statement on Saturday, condemned the Ijaw Youth Congress’s stance, urging them to seek legal means to address their grievances.
Akinlosotu, further expressed concerns over statements and actions that could undermine the rule of law, incite violence, or disrupt democratic integrity in Rivers.
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.”
Also, 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.
Consequently, 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 also 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.
He also advised Governor Fubara to avoid preemptive actions and work with the House of Assembly to present the state budget.
