The political stalemate in Rivers State is one evil that blows no good wind, if allowed to fester. First, it was Edo State, and now is the turn of Rivers, although, Edo political imbroglio cannot be compared with what is going on in Rivers at the moment. The uncertainty in the political scene, right from the top to the bottom, has cast dark shadows on Nigeria’s electoral system, leading to mistrust and doubts, each time elections are taking place.
Yes, this development is not new to Nigerians, just that the political leaders do not lack words to justify any ugly situation, even when things are going wrong in the country. With the just concluded local government elections in Rivers State, where winners have emerged, common sense demands that fraying nerves in the state should give peace a chance, and allow those elected by popular vote to settle down to work for the common good. The time calls for the dramatis personae whose names have featured prominently as those behind the political logjam, to please sheath their swords to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of properties in the state.
It’s also time to deal with the situation, and ensure that the dispute between the political gladiators is brought to an end, since the elections which was the bone of contention has come and gone. The situation in Rivers state lately, is a cause for worry. If the ugly situation is allowed to degenerate, anarchy may likely set in. Equally disturbing, is that political thugs appear to be in control, burning and destroying properties in the local governments while the authorities watch helplessly. The chairmen of the local governments have been sworn in and oath of office administered by the Executive Governor, Siminalayi Fubara who is reportedly asking his ‘oga’ to allow him perform his duties.
Nigerians have applauded the autonomy granted to the Local Government Councils by the Supreme Court in its judgement few months ago. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at many fora, hailed the verdict of the Supreme Court, even acknowledging that the autonomy granted the third tier of government, indeed, was the best thing that could have happened to our democracy which he also fought for, as one time governor of Lagos State. With this development, one wonders whether the autonomy of Local Government is real or a fluke, given the kind of democracy we practice here. Only time will tell! The running battle between the opposing camps in Rivers State is unfortunate, and highly regrettable.
However, the Nigerian police which the governor accused of partisanship should be held responsible, and should therefore, explain to Nigerians why the police personnel keeping watch over the councils were withdrawn, paving way for the invasion of the local councils by political thugs. By virtue of the constitutional responsibility of the police, it has the right to provide security for the entire Rivers State, not minding the political party in power, and irrespective of who appointed the Inspector General of Police. The IGP has been accused of compromising, and looking the other way when it comes to issues involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in some states of the federation.
Rivers State is strategic to the country, where the wealth of the nation largely comes from. The federal government cannot afford to keep quiet over the unsavory development in the state. The police must be directed to do the needful and ensure law and order are restored. Those fingered in the destruction of properties and murder under whatever guise, should be apprehended by the police no matter how highly placed. Nigeria is a multi-political party state and deserves the protection of the police during and after elections. The Nigeria Police is for everyone, and should not become the property of any powerful individual, or the ruling party as it seems to be portrayed.
Allowing the problem in Rivers to continue may lead to the unexpected. The parties that lost election at the just concluded local government poll should not throw the state into chaos, but rather should join forces with the governor and the newly elected local government chairmen to move the state forward. Those that are aggrieved with the outcome of the election should have the spirit of sportsmanship and wait for their turn.
With the rise in cost of living, floods ravaging many communities, water accidents in Lagos and Niger, among other disasters, we urge the warring parties to come to terms with the reality of the times. Our political leaders, especially should give peace a chance, and allow those elected to work for the people. We call on the federal government to wade into the political feud in Rivers State and ensure that normalcy returns to prevent further breakdown of law and order that we had witnessed in the last few days.
