The leadership of the respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, Orashi National Congress, has strongly condemned the announcement by the Administrator of Rivers State, suspending all political office holders and appointees.
In a statement on Friday in Port Harcourt signed by the President General, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe and Pastor N. Isaac, Secretary General, the Congress said,
“We view this action by the Sole Administrator as an affront to democratic principles, which must be condemned by all well meaning citizens of Rivers State, Nigeria and indeed the world”.
“This move, made under the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a clear overreach of executive authority.”
“The suspension of key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Honourable Commissioners, and Chairmen and members of various boards and parastatals, is a deliberate attempt to dismantle the democratic structures in Rivers State. This action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for our democratic experience.”
“We condemn this action in the strongest terms and request that the President reverses this decision soon. The people of Rivers State deserve a democratically elected government and should be given opportunity to have their elected persons back in government instead of the one imposed on us by the Federal Government.”
“It is imperative that the international community, human rights organizations, and civil society groups take notice of this total disregard for democratic principles and take immediate action to support the people of Rivers State in their quest for democracy and good governance.”
“We reiterate our call on Mr. President to rescind his decision to set aside a democratically elected Governor/Deputy Governor to appoint an administrator for Rivers State.”
“Rivers State is peaceful and we in the Orashi Region frown at attempts to militarize our state and deny us the right to be governed by those whom we have elected.”