The Evo Unity Forum has strongly condemned the ongoing Police siege at the Obio Akpor Council Headquarters in Rumuodomanya.
In a communique issued by the group, they called on the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately withdraw his officers to allow council workers access to their offices.
Emmanuel Ogbonda, President of the Evo Unity Forum, read the communique, accusing the Police of clear partisanship in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
“The Police are not just enforcers of the law but must remain neutral in political matters,” Ogbonda stated, expressing frustration over the prolonged disruption.
The forum’s communique also reassured Governor Sim Fubara and Chief Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, the CTC Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government, of their unwavering support.
“We stand with our leaders and demand fairness and justice in this matter,” Ogbonda affirmed.
Signatories to the communique included prominent figures such as Chief Mike Enwukwe, a former commissioner for Economic Planning, Elder Adolphus Ibeka, Chief Freddy Ichegbo, C.A.J. Chinwo, Chief Hon. Gershion Agbaraka, Sir Derek Iyo, Mr. Collins Wokea, Comrade Kingsley Wopara, High Chief Obed Chinda, Elder George Ariolu, and Prince Bekwele Wopara, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Obio Akpor chapter.
The ongoing siege has not only disrupted the administrative functions of the council but has also affected the daily lives of many workers, who depend on their jobs for livelihood. One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their frustration: “We just want to do our jobs and serve our community. This situation has left us in limbo”.
As the Evo Unity Forum continues to press for immediate action, the residents of Obio Akpor are hopeful that normalcy will soon be restored, allowing them to focus on the development and progress of their community.