NCSCN backs state of emergency in Rivers

The National Civil Society Council (NCSCN) has backed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying the decision was the viable option available to the Presidency, going by available intelligence and privileged security feedback. The council said the state was already heading to a crisis following a […]

The National Civil Society Council (NCSCN) has backed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying the decision was the viable option available to the Presidency, going by available intelligence and privileged security feedback.

The council said the state was already heading to a crisis following a breakdown of law and order as declared by the Supreme Court in its Judgement.

Tinubu on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly for six months.

The President appointed a Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas (Rtd) to pilot the affairs of the state during the period.

Addressing a press conference, Executive Director, NCSCN, Mr Blessing Akinlosotu urged Ibas to fully bring to bear his stallion qualities to ensure that Rivers State is restored to peace and progress far less than the six months.

Akinlosotu said the council was convinced that the Sole Administrator can achieve normalcy and orderliness in the State within the next 3 months.

“Though the declaration of State of Emergency is generally viewed as too extreme, we believe this must have been the most viable option available to the Presidency, going by available Intelligence and privileged security feedback,” Akinlosotu stated.

The council urged the Sole Administrator to set up an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee comprising Elder Statesmen outside Rivers State, such as Former Presidents, Past Vice Presidents, Former Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives, Past Chief Justices, top and First Class Traditional Rulers, Renowned Religious Leaders from both Faiths, Civil Society Activist, respected Legal Luminaries, etc, who will be mandated to make unbiased and in-depth enquiries into the root and proximal causes of the crisis, identify major actors and interest groups in the crisis, engage all in a safe and conducive environment, extract vital facts and figures that will lead to sustainable and generally satisfactory resolution of the crisis, and finally make fair and practicable recommendation that will end the crisis and birth a new order of Peace, Unity and Progress in Rivers State.

According to the council, to ensure that no one is victimised, especially from the Gov. Fubara end, instead that all be given fair treatment, hearing and level grounds in protecting their various political interests.

Akinlosotu added: “We equally appreciate all the efforts made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in trying to resolve the crisis before it got to this painful twist of event, and we empathise with Mr. President on the frustration he must have felt in the process.

“We appeal to Mr. President, to downplay the political interest of any particular group and place the aspiration of the People of the State and Nigeria above partisan politics.

“The Sole Administrator must always be conscious that he is not appointed to take sides in the crisis, but to take charge of all situations to restore peace and normalcy to Rivers State.

“By the end of the six months, the wisdom behind and success of the State of Emergency will be tested and attested by the level of peace, stability, progress and political harmony achieved in the State by the Sole Administrator.

“While praying for the good people of Rivers State to emerge stronger and better from this travail, and wishing the Sole Administrator God’s guidance and protection, we appeal to all Nigerians, especially the Civil Society Community, to cooperate with the Government to achieve a positive outcome with this State of Emergency option.”