Rivers’ indigenes in diaspora decry politics of intimidation in state

The Rivers State diaspora citizens have decried the politics of intimidation in the state, especially the current instability in the state.

The group stated this in a statement signed by Johnson Eke Wise, Margaret Ijeoma Otti, Gregory Otabil, Sylvester Dokubo, Patient Jibnoh and Kaine Briggs.

They described the events that unfolded in the state on October 30, 2023 as disheartening.

“October is a month of significance for Nigeria’s independence, but it is disheartening to witness shameless and avaricious politicians exploiting this month-end to subjugate the people of Rivers State through intimidation and manipulation,” the group said.

“How can we best describe the sudden declaration by manipulated members of the State House of Assembly, who initiated a motion to impeach Siminalayi Fubara, the Executive Governor of the state?” they asked.

The situation, according to them, escalated when police officers, allegedly under the influence of powerful interests in Abuja, deployed tear gas and water cannons against the governor while he was on his way to inspect the damage at the state House of Assembly complex.

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“The ordinary citizens of our state watched in astonishment as the political discord of a leader plunged the entire state into chaos.

“As concerned citizens of Rivers State in the diaspora, we have also observed how our supposed leaders flocked to Abuja to meet with Nyesom Wike, whom many recognize as the mastermind of this spectacle.

“To our surprise, these leaders sought to placate him and then called on the governor to apologize.

“This represents the pinnacle of intimidation and oppression, which is unacceptable for a state governor to be compelled to seek reconciliation with an individual causing turmoil in our state.

“Rivers’ people, the masses, have spoken loud and clear throughout the state: “Let our governor breathe”.

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They lamented that the sequence of events is dangerous for democratic principles, as it encroaches on the constitutional powers of an elected governor.

“We have credible information indicating that Nyesom Wike was responsible for selecting 95 percent of the state’s commissioners and aides of the governor. This level of interference is excessive, callous, and unjust. How can Governor Fubara be expected to function effectively in such an environment?

“Our call goes out to the people of Rivers State to stand up and defend the mandate they bestowed upon their beloved governor.

“As Rivers citizens in the Diaspora, we are determined to ensure that this politics of intimidation in our state comes to an end;” they concluded.