Photo caption: National president,South-South Youths Initiative, Imeabe Oscar
A Niger Delta youth group, South-South Youths Initiative, has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling it an unfair move that undermines democracy.
In a statement on Tuesday by its National President, Imeabe Oscar, the group expressed disappointment over the President’s decision to suspend the democratically elected executive arm of Rivers State for six months and appoint a sole administrator.
The group also demanded the immediate suspension of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom they blame for the prolonged political crisis in the state.
“Our main concern is that the President did not suspend the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, who is the main reason the political crisis remains unresolved.
“By refusing to mention Wike or suspend him alongside others, the President has shown clear bias. The political battle in Rivers State is between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and Wike, yet only one side has been penalized,” the statement partly read.
In calling for fairness and justice, the South-South Youths Initiative urged President Tinubu to suspend Wike as FCT Minister to prove his impartiality.
The group also urged the National Assembly to reject the state of emergency declaration, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
“We have prayed that nothing derails democracy in this country, no matter how imperfect it may be. It is surprising that the President would make a decision that contradicts the principles of the rule of law. If a state of emergency is necessary, why wasn’t it declared in northern states where bandits and insurgents have been terrorizing communities?”
Despite their grievances, the group called for calm among the people of Rivers State as they navigate this “trying time” in their history.
