The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for calm and law-abiding behavior from the people of Rivers State amidst the ongoing crisis regarding the tenure expiration of the state’s local government council chairmen.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP advised the outgoing local government chairmen to avoid actions that could disrupt the state’s peace.
The party emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, peace, and the delivery of democratic dividends in Rivers State.
The crisis stems from the expiration of the three-year tenure of the local government chairmen, as stipulated by the relevant state law governing the Rivers State Local Government Council Administration. Controversy erupted following a disagreement over a tenure extension bill passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, which was vetoed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Local Government Amendment Bill, which the Assembly passed into law without the governor’s assent, aimed to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors if elections could not be held before the end of their three-year term.
However, a court nullified this amended law, leading to an appeal that is set to be ruled on by the appeal court on June 20, 2024.
In response to the ongoing turmoil, the All Progressive Congress (APC) chapter in Rivers State has called for the declaration of a state of emergency.
During a press interaction in Port Harcourt, APC caretaker committee chairman Tony Okocha attributed the unrest to Governor Fubara’s leadership, asserting that a state of emergency is necessary for the residents to live in peace.
“We are at war in Rivers State, and because the governor is unteachable, APC Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State so that me and you can have peace in this state,” Okocha stated.
