An Economist. Dr. Emmanuel Osilem says the state of emergency declared in Rivers State will affect governance and economic developments in the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Dr. Osilem, who said the declaration would have been avoided if politicians had considered the interest of the Rivers people, emphasized that there will be no meaningful development within the period.
Dr. Osilem, who described the situation in Rivers State as very unfortunate, said only Rivers indigenes can resolve the issue by encouraging true reconciliation. On the way forward, the Economist proffered other measures that should be adopted to ensure the restoration of democratic institutions in the state.
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He said, “It is very important for us to calm down and forgive ourselves. Rivers people should be able to solve Rivers problem but when we engage in provocative utterances it would not do us any good. Rivers people should also avoid a situation whereby we steer up ethnic crisis by reason of dragging one ethnic group against the another, it is not the best for us.”
Dr. Osilem solicited support for the State Sole Administrator to enable him to achieve the desired peace in the state, which will eventually lead to the restoration of elected officials who were suspended.
