THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating violence and chaos.
Chief Tony Okocha, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Rivers, made the call during a media briefing earlier today.
“Rivers State is at war,” Okocha declared.
“Lives have been lost, and the perpetrators are well-known. The governor and the police seem powerless to stop the mayhem. We urge the Federal Government to act swiftly and declare a state of emergency to tame the violence and restore order.”
According to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Government is empowered to declare a state of emergency in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemics, epidemics, or other biosecurity risks.
Okocha’s call comes amidst a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen clashes between rival factions over the expiration of local government council executives.
Earlier on Wednesday (today), Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated caretaker committees to lead the local governments following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the previous officeholders on Monday.
In a statewide broadcast, Sir Fubara announced that he would not extend the tenure of the former chairmen, who are alleged to be loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike.
Fubara is engaged in a running political battle with Wike.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara earlier today officially swore in caretaker committee chairmen for all 23 local government councils of the state.
The ceremony was held at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt. The swearing followed screening and confirmation by the state House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Below is a comprehensive list of the newly sworn-in chairmen of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.
- Hon. Madigai Dickson – Abua/Odual LGA
- Hon. Happy Benneth- Ahoada-East
- Hon. Daddy John Green – Ahoada-West
- Barr. Otonye Briggs – Akuku Toru LGA
- Barr. Reginald Ekaan – Andoni LGA
- Hon. Orolosama Peter Amachree – Asari-Toru LGA
- Alabota Anengi Barasua – Bonny LGA
- Anthony Soberekon – Degema LGA
- Brain Gokpa – Eleme LGA
- David Omereji – Emohua LGA
- John Otamiri Nkugbo – Etche LGA
- Kenneth Kpeden – Gokana LGA
- Hon. Dr. Darlington Orji – Ikwerre LGA
- Amb. Marvin Yobana – Khana LGA
- Amb Ihunwo Chijioke – Obio/Akpor
- Hon. Princewill Ejekwe – ONELGA
- RT. Hon. Evans Bipi – Ogu-Bolo LGA
- Princess Ib Ogan – Okrika LGA
- RT. Hon. Promise Reginald – Omuma LGA
- Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam – Opobo/Nkoro LGA
- Hon. Gogo Philip – OYIGBO LGA
- Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati – PHALGA
- Hon. Matthew Dike – Tai LGA
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