Ex-beauty queen Ibinabo Fiberesima says there is no need for a heavy security presence, declaring that Rivers State is peaceful.
She made this statement on Wednesday while speaking to News Central at a social gathering held at Isaac Boro Park in the state capital.
TCPN earlier reported that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly had been suspended for six months following the declaration of a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu said the decision stemmed from “escalating political tensions and security concerns, including reports of pipeline vandalism by militants.”
While expressing her concerns over the recent developments in the state amidst the political battle, Fiberesima said, *”We have finally found peace, and today you come out and see army personnel driving around like something is going on, and that’s wrong. This is not right.
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“We are at peace—let our people, children, and families be at peace. Let people go to work in peace. All these army personnel driving around are unnecessary.
“Our governor is peaceful; we love him. Leave us in peace. What’s all this? Emotions may not have a place in politics, we agree, but we love him. Is that too much to ask? We want peace. I moved back to this state after running away before.”
Actress and Rivers State Labour Party Chair Hilda Dokubo also criticized President Tinubu’s decision, highlighting its implications.
“Now you have crippled people. What for? Because of one man? I will say it over and over again: What’s happening in Rivers State is not about Siminalayi Fubara. What’s happening in Rivers State is a battle for its economic soul. Somebody wants to seize the economic soul of Rivers State,” the stress clsimed
For 24 years, they kept milking us. That was how our money was flying over our heads—here today, gone tomorrow—funding all kinds of foolishness. This administration (Fubara’s) is the first time civil servants have been paid their 13th-month salaries in the state.
“Every Christmas, civil servants have received their salaries in full for two years. For the first time, roads connecting the riverine communities are being built. It has never happened before.”
During the interview, Dokubo also challenged the legitimacy of the emergency rule. She said, *”I’ve been rereading the Nigerian Constitution, trying to understand whether the president even has the right to suspend a governor.
“The governor and the deputy were voted in—at least, that’s what they want us to believe. So, let’s run with that assumption. Does the president have the right to do this? He might have the authority to declare a state of emergency, but only if an actual emergency exists. But up until Tuesday, there was none—absolutely none.
