Kinsmen of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike under the auspices of Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) Worldwide, has called for the cessation of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State.
The foremost apex socio-political organisation of Ikwerres, said it has reviewed the current political impasse in the state with a grave concern over the wanton dismantling of the democratic structure in the state.
In a statement Thursday evening, jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Livingstone Wechie, Vice Chairman, Chief Ihunwo Obi-Wali and Secretary-General, Stanley Wogu, respectively, the group contended that the state of emergency should be reversed and the democratic order restored.
“Mr. President, the message you sent has been passed through your intervention, but Rivers people must not suffer a shortlived democracy for any reason because we have paid our dues despite this political imbroglio,” they stated.
The IPC disagreed with the president over the constitutional justification of the suspension of the governor and the state House of Assembly members, saying Rivers people also suffered both losses during the last general elections which brought the president to power.
“We believe that Mr. President is motivated by the aspiration of Nigerians on this matter and that he is committed to take steps to solve, than escalate the matter.
“However IPC is worried that Rivers people have been terribly traumatized by the reversion to military rule in their state which we escaped in 1999 only to be isolated from the rest of the country.
“This glaring impression that while other states are under a government they can call there own, we are rather subjected to a military system in our own state should be a concern to our president.
“It is doubtless that we did not bargain for this unfortunate development and the innocent populace in Rivers should not be punished for it as in this circumstance.
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“Whereas as a people we are unhappy with the unwarranted political feud among the two sides, Ikwerre people are worried about the false image now created about our dear state which has now led to serious capital flight, fears of uncertainty among citizens, and loss of investors confidence among others.
“Rivers people are very desperate to have their democratic rights restored, so they can enjoy the liberty of the democracy they voted for, that should be accountable to the masses. All we want is a government we can call our own,” the IPC said.
The group urged the president to set up a high powered committee of eminent and well-meaning Nigerian leaders and stakeholders to resolve the dispute between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“This is with a view to immediately restoring the democratic order in Rivers State in the best interest of Nigeria, and for the better legacy of President Bola Tinubu,” the group added.
