A non- governmental advocacy group in the Niger Delta region, the Voice of Ibani People(VIP) has warned that it may be forced to take decisive action that can disrupt national economic activities following the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing newsmen recently in Port-Harcourt at a press conference, going by the pace of development in the state, and other issues, President of the group, Dr Sofiri Peterside stressed that failure of the President to reverse the proclamation within a reasonable time-frame, the group will be forced to drag the Federal Government to court for justice, equity and fair play.
Peterside maintained that the group raised concerns on the legality, economic impact and consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
He described the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the elected Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly as premature, baseless, and unconstitutional.
The group insisted that the people of Rivers State freely elected these officials, and any attempt to remove them outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.
According to the group, such actions must be reversed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They highlighted the immediate hardship the state of emergency has caused for local people, including workers, many of whom have yet to receive their salaries.
Dr Sofiri Peterside noted that withholding workers’ salaries has exposed them to avoidable economic sufferings, particularly at a time when the cost of living is already high.
The organization warned that the state of emergency had devastating economic consequences, emphasizing Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
It further said that with the nation already grappling with inflation, naira devaluation, high exchange rates, rising unemployment and skyrocketing living costs, instability in Rivers State, could worsen the situation nationwide.
The Voice of Ibani People(VIP) also pointed out that the political uncertainty caused by the state of emergency has driven away potential investors who had expressed interest in the state’s economic initiative.
“This loss of investment is damaging the state’s internally generated revenue(IGR) and will have long-term consequences for economic development and employment opportunities in the region in the state in particular and the region in general.
“While we acknowledge the need for maintaining law and order, such actions must be carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended).
“Suspending elected officials and allegedly disrupting the welfare and costs of living of Rivers people in particular and Nigerians generally. This violates their fundamental rights and could worsen security and economic challenges.
“Let the Federal Government prioritize the safety and welfare of citizens over political interests. Any governance approach that sacrifices citizens’ well-being for political maneuvers would only heighten tensions and resistance”, VIP declared.
Meanwhile, the Voice of Ibani People(VIP) has demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency proclamation declared by President Bola Tinubu, and the re-instatement of the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and others unconditionally to assume their mandated duties for the betterment of the citizens.
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It pointed out that there is no room in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended), where it was stated that the 2/3 majority votes to okay the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by Mr President does not have anything to do with voice vote, thereby rendering such votes in the National Assembly as illegal, unprofessional, misrepresentation of assigned responsibility by members of both Chambers.
The group, through its spokesperson, Dr Sofiri Peterside, used the opportunity to call on the United Nations General Assembly and other relevant government agencies and stakeholders to wade into the position of the Presidency in Rivers political crisis for possible intervention and resolution.
It urged the UN, along with other developed countries, to sanction Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu for introducing a dictatorial regime in the state, thereby suffering the citizens for selfish reasons.
Dr Sofiri Peterside, however, urged the Ibani Ethnic Nationality of Ijaw race
, to remain focused, steadfast, calm, and supportive to the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his team, adding that better days are coming their way.
He thanked the Ibani people for their support to Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the course of political travails rocking the state by those he described as political mischief-makers and enemies of Rivers people progress.
Peterside, therefore, admonished the people not to lose hope in Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his government, stressing that justice will soon take it cause in the crisis. He assured the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his team of the group’s unflinching loyalty and support to be able to provide more democratic dividends for the people.
