Incensed by the alarming political turmoil gripping Rivers State, venerable elders and influential leaders, spearheaded by the formidable former Governor Chief Rufus Ada-George, have vehemently decried the audacious attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, branding it an intolerable affront.
In a resolute proclamation delivered at the culmination of an emergency summit on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the elders, including Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and other prominent figures, castigated the brazen defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, labeling it a treacherous maneuver.
The communiqué, undersigned by Ada-George and co-signed by influential figures, also laid bare the elders’ dismay at the conspicuous silence of both Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in response to their entreaties for dialogue amid the escalating political crisis in the state.
Characterizing the recent events as both embarrassing and perilous, the elders highlighted incidents such as the bombing of the state House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, and the purported assault on Governor Fubara by security agents on October 30, 2023.
Related News: Political Turmoil in Rivers State: 27 Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC
In unequivocal terms, the elders stated, “The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, barely six months into office, without providing a transparent account to the citizens regarding the reasons and alleged infractions of the law, is utterly unacceptable.”
The elders’ censure extended to a firm condemnation of all forms of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State, demanding a thorough investigation into the crisis with the swift prosecution of those found culpable.
Expressing consternation over the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the state government, the elders implored urgent action in rebuilding the assembly complex to restore normal legislative proceedings swiftly.
Condemning what they perceived as the exploitation of political power for personal gain, the elders rebuffed the recent mass defection of lawmakers without due consideration for the will of their constituents.
Allegations of nefarious activities, including the purported procurement of legal instruments from outside Rivers State to foment crisis, were vehemently rejected by the elders as disturbing.
They called on the judiciary and security agencies to exercise vigilance to prevent exacerbating the already tense situation in Rivers State.
In a final plea, the elders urged President Bola Tinubu to build upon his earlier intervention, cautioning that the repercussions of inaction could extend beyond Rivers State to impact the entire Niger Delta region and the Federal Government.
The elders concluded with a sobering reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to avert further deterioration of the precarious political climate in Rivers State.
You can also read: Tinubu Overhauls Aviation Leadership, Dismisses Top Officials names replacements