I, Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, am compelled to express my utmost dismay and disappointment at the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move, rather than addressing the underlying issues driving the crisis, has only served to undermine the democratic process and raise questions about the federal government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.

The imposition of emergency rule is a clear indication of the federal government’s failure to provide security for federal infrastructure in Rivers State, as mandated by the constitution ¹. Instead of taking responsibility for this failure, the government has chosen to blame the state government for security breaches that led to the attack on federal infrastructure.

Furthermore, the suspension of the duly elected Rivers State governor’s administration under the guise of emergency rule is a cause for concern. This move undermines the democratic process and raises questions about the federal government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.

As a member of the APC, I am deeply troubled by the implications of this decision. The use of emergency rule to address the crisis in Rivers State is a heavy-handed approach that undermines the democratic values enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. It has also led to a loss of confidence in the President and his ability to stand for what is right among some APC members with genuine interest.

I urge the federal government to take immediate steps to address the underlying issues driving the crisis in Rivers State and work towards restoring the democratic process in the state. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in the government by the Nigerian people.

Signed,

Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh
APC Chieftain, Abia State