The Coalition of Ijaw Interest Groups (CIIG) has condemned the assault on democracy and the political developments in Rivers State.
The coalition in a statement issued in Yenagoa on Wednesday, condemned the assault on the mandate of the people and subsequent foisting of the selfish interests of the political class.
The statement was signed by Ben Okoro, Efiye Bribena, Chief Denzil Kentebe, Iniruo Wills, Elaye Otrofanowei, Tare Ekpebu, and Pattison Boleigha.
Other members of the coalition who endorsed the statement are Ms. Annkio Briggs, Mrs. Rosemary John-Oduone, Ebitim Egbunukumoh and Yimovie Sakue-Collins
The groups lamented that the dire socio-economic conditions in the country is not attracting or receiving the level of attention it deserves by the government and politicians.
“Rather than focusing on improving the situation they claim to have met, they seem to have become more brazen and emboldened in a desperate attempt to capture instruments of state power, namely, the legislature and judiciary and to foist illegality and lawlessness upon the people,” the statement said.
It described the suspension of the entire apparatus of governance through the declaration of a state of emergency by the President Tinubu as amounting to overthrowing the mandate of the people and the legitimate and democratically elected government of Rivers State.
The group noted that the build-up points to the promotion of the selfish determination and desire of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike to control the state by proxy, even after leaving office as governor for eight years.
Also, the group expressed alarm at the unconstitutional manner the National Assembly, endorsed the emergency rule through voice vote
They described the voice vote as a procedure that flagrantly violates the constitution and disgraces the legislative process.
Read also:
- Delta NUJ declares State of Emergency on hunger, security crisis, demands immediate government action
- NLC threatens to shut down Rivers if state of emergency is not reversed
- Former President Jonathan criticises state of emergency in Rivers
“We, therefore are fully aligned with the principled positions taken by respected citizens such as Mr. Atedo Peterside, Ms. Ann Kio Briggs, Dame Donu Kogbara, and the Rivers Elders who had rightly demanded an immediate halt to this illegality.
“We also acknowledge and celebrate the indomitable spirit of the various women groups that make up the Rivers Women Unite for Sim.
“These women with hearts of lions have continually resisted the illegitimate sole administrator in Rivers State,” the coalition added.
The group called upon all well-meaning Nigerians, the international community, and all defenders of participatory democracy to speak out against the injustice and support the restoration of constitutional governance, democratic order, and the rule of law in Rivers State,
The coalition explained that like all Nigerians, the people of Rivers State deserve to live in a democracy and enjoy its dividends.
