The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Rivers State has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state, citing escalating political tensions and violence. This appeal follows the swearing-in of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State, which has been marred by ongoing unrest.
In a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, APC Caretaker Committee Chairman Chief Tony Okocha highlighted the severity of the situation. “Rivers State is at war. The individuals responsible for the mayhem, which has claimed lives, are known,” Okocha stated.
“The Governor is helpless, the police are helpless. Therefore, the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency as a way to address the violence and turmoil in the state. I urge the federal government to act swiftly in this regard.”
This urgent call from the APC comes shortly after Governor Fubara appointed new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. The appointments were formalized on Wednesday morning at the Government House in Port Harcourt under heightened security.
The appointments followed the submission of the list of caretaker chairmen to the state House of Assembly, currently led by Speaker Victor Jumbo. The swift actions underscore the urgent need to stabilize governance structures amidst the ongoing crisis.
The APC’s call for a state of emergency aligns with the federal government’s authority to intervene in cases of natural disasters, civil disorder, military conflicts, disease outbreaks, epidemics, or other significant threats to public health and safety.
The situation in Rivers State continues to be volatile, with the APC urging federal intervention to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
