Amid calls for a State of Emergency in Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has cautioned the immediate past Rivers State Local Government Chairmen whose tenure has expired against any conduct that is capable of disrupting the peace in the State.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba on Wednesday called for calm in the State while reminding the past Chairmen of the LGAs of their tenure elapse.
“The Party notes that the three years tenure in office of the former Rivers State Local Government Executive Councils has expired by the effluxion of time under the relevant State Law establishing the Rivers State Local Government Council Administration.”
It warned the former Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen to desist from any action that may constitute disruption in Local Government administration in the State.
The statement also called on the people of Rivers State to remain calm, and law-abiding and continue to work together for the continued stability, peace and delivery of democracy dividends in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in the State has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of Emergency in Rivers State stating that the State is at war.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha, said Rivers State is at war. And the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known. Further, the Rivers Governor is helpless, and the police are helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, and the upsurge that is going on in the state. I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.
On Wednesday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State swore in newly appointed Caretaker Chairmen in the 23 LGAs and directed them to immediately pay the salaries of the past Chairmen and Councillors despite their refusal to vacate the office citing a 6-month extension as ordered by the Court.
Supporters of Governor Fubara seized control of the local government secretariats on Monday and Tuesday. They demanded that previous chairmen who support the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, step down from their positions. Additionally, they vandalized a sculpture of the former Governor in the state.
