By Ken Afor
Dakuku Adol Peterside has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and address the ongoing political turmoil between the Executive and Legislative branches in Rivers State, in order to prevent a descent into anarchy.
The rekindling of the dispute between Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, and certain legislators in the State House of Assembly is being tested through these trials.
It would be recalled that on Monday, 27 members of the state assembly switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was reportedly spearheaded by Honourable Martin Amaewhule, who is known for his unwavering support towards the former Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
On Wednesday, the situation took a turn for the worse when several bulldozers were spotted at the Assembly Complex, carrying out the demolition of the facility that had been bombed on Sunday, October 29, late in the evening.
However, Peterside, a previous CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), expressed his disapproval of the ongoing conflict between the two branches of government in the state in a statement released on Wednesday.
Peterside expressed his disappointment over the lawmakers’ defection and the demolition of the Assembly Complex, labeling it as a “a shameful state of anomie”.
The ex-House of Representatives member expressed deep disappointment over how certain politicians have sacrificed the once harmonious political landscape of the state for their own selfish interests.
Peterside has urged the President to prioritize the welfare of the people of Rivers above all else in order to alleviate the existing tension.
He further urged the elders and youth in the state to unite and take a firm stance against the ongoing crisis.
The statement read: “I have watched with shock, disgust, and disbelief the ongoing ugly descent into anarchy of governance and public affairs and the naked display of anti-democratic and anti-people actions by some political actors in Rivers State.
“From the reported defection of 27 supposed Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly to the demolition of the permanent site of the Assembly complex for renovation, there is no better phrase to describe what my Rivers State has become other than a shameful state of anomie. We see there a ranked display of mockery of democracy and mindless destruction of everything democracy by the same people who should be defending it.
“It is sad that in the past few weeks, the peace, stability, and development of the state have been sacrificed on the altar of selfish political agenda, ego, and narrow interests of a few.
“It is clear from these political actors’ utterances and body language that the only goal dictating their actions is controlling the soul of Rivers State to the detriment of the state’s people. The people and their interests have been relegated to the background, whilst political jobbers hold the state on a knife-edge.
“Many of our past patriotic leaders sacrificed a lot to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State, which these handful of political actors seek to destroy. Rivers people would resist this brigandage, and I urge them to do so urgently. Posterity is going to judge all of us.
“At this point, as a leader and stakeholder in the affairs of Rivers State who has personally invested a lot in the development of our dear state, I call on the President and Commander in Chief to intervene and save Rivers from going up in flames. Mr President should note that Rivers State is gradually sliding into total anarchy. As a statesman, he cannot afford to fold his hands and watch the destruction of the state and institutions of democracy.
“Mr President, at this point, must place the interest of Rivers State and the people of Rivers State above every other consideration.
“I appeal to all genuine elders and well-meaning youths of the state to oppose the politics of destruction and personality cults. We should be in favour of politics of good governance and inclusive development.”
