A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Ibinabo Joy Dokubo, has appealed to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the duration for the State of Emergency that was recently proclaimed in Rivers State that resulted in the suspension of the Governor, Similayi Fubara, and the entire members of the State House of Assembly.
Dokubo, in a statement, at the weekend, noted that the President’s action might be as a result of security reports exclusively available to the President, but suggested that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism would have been more effective in solving the political crisis in the state.
Dokubo, a former APC presidential aspirant in the 2023 presidential election, said the decision is deeply affecting socioeconomic activities in the state, asking that, at least the duration of the proclamation, be reduced to a month or two, at most.
She informed the President that many investors have begun to withdraw their investments in the state, while some prospective ones are skeptical of choosing the state as a choice place of investment.
“This is very unhealthy for the people and the economy of Rivers State, which is one of the key states sustaining the country in terms of revenue. Things need to return to normal as soon as possible so the economy of the state is not greatly affected. That’s why some of us are calling for a downward review of the duration,” she said.
In resolving the crisis, the APC Chieftain suggested that the president summon all the aggrieved parties together, notably, the Governor and House of Assembly, in a close door meeting where they would have frank conversation on the contentious issues, and seek better ways to resolve the crisis in Rivers State.
“The president could choose to bring in Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT and a party in the crisis, into the meeting, or excuse him. But in whatever way he chooses, we believe that a political solution will be the best way to tackle the challenge and not the recent decision of proclaiming a State of Emergency in the state.”
She challenged other stakeholders and elder statesmen who might have interest in the parties in the “fight” to shield their sword and work for lasting peace in the state.
“This two-year fight has taken Rivers state 10 years backwards, economically and otherwise. So, it’s important we work out ways to strengthen peace and unity in the state.
“To the youths of Rivers state, we can’t destroy our state just to look loyal to our political leaders. Youth, women and children are the first victims in every crisis all over the world. So, we should stop destroying the pipelines and other public properties, both government and individuals, let peace, love and unity lead,” she appealed.
