By Abiola Olawale
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus has raised an alarm over what he described as the escalating tensions in Rivers State.
This is as Secondus attributed the situation in Rivers State to the actions of the state’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
In a heartfelt statement, Secondus lamented, “I weep for my state,” warning that Rivers State is teetering on the edge of chaos, likening the current atmosphere to a “keg of gunpowder” ready to explode.
This was contained in an Easter message released through his Special Adviser on Media, Ike Abonyi.
He also implored President Bola Tinubu to resist misguided advice and restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has the mandate of the people.
The statement reads in part: “The President should… be guided by the voice of reason by restoring Governor Similaya Fubara, who has the mandate of the people.
“The Sole Administrator activities have set Rivers State on a keg of gunpowder, and I weep for my state. Sadly Rivers State has found itself on the ugly side of history over the control of Resources and the state by one man.”
Secondus further praised the Ijaw nation for their restraint, noting, “My special appreciation goes to the Ijaw nation, its leaders and people, the indisputable fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria with over 30 LGAs across seven states, for managing the provocations.”
Additionally, he urged Christians to embody Christ’s love and piety.
“Easter period reminds us of brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination as contained in the Scriptures,” he said.
Secondus’ remarks come amid growing concerns in Rivers State.
Amid growing concerns regarding the sole administrator’s governance, the Federal House of Representatives last week invoked its oversight responsibilities, as stipulated in the state of emergency proclamation gazette, by establishing a 21-member ad-hoc committee.
The committee, headed by Julius Ihievbire and inaugurated last Tuesday, promptly summoned the sole administrator to appear before it to address some concerns.
Key issues expected to be addressed by Ibas included the scope of his powers to dissolve democratic institutions and remove political appointees of the suspended governor, as well as the subsequent appointments allegedly favouring a specific political faction.
