Who Will Save The People Of Rivers From Violence?

By Miracle Ogunde

There seems to be no end in sight to the political crisis in rivers state which has lingered for so long.

The political rivalry between the acclaimed godfather of rivers politics, who is also the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and the governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara continues to throw the state into jeopardy.

The crisis took a new twist on saturday with the brouhaha surrounding the conduct of the Saturday’s local government election.

The crisis was compounded with the refusal of the police force in Rivers state to provide security for the election, citing the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A day to the election, it was reported that police operatives besiged the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), which led to protest from residents of the state, mostly spearheaded by the youths who vowed to protect the RSIEC’s office from being invaded by the police.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara also stormed the venue, fuming at the action of the Nigerian police and insisting that ‘THE ELECTION MUST HOLD!. Alas it was held!

But what happened afterwards? the election was held and the atmosphere wasn’t peaceful due to the absence of security operatives.

The results of the election saw the Action People’s Party, (APP) emerged victorious, securing 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions.

After the swearing in of the elected Chairmen, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, presented Certificates of Return to the elected officials.

The Swearing-in ceremony was the culmination of a local government election that was marked by heightened tension on Saturday.

In his address to the newly elected Chairmen, Governor Fubara emphasised the importance of servant leadership.

Even as residents pray for peace, it was another calamity this morning as a section of the Eleme Local Government Council Secretariat was reportedly set ablaze.

Who can save the people of rivers from this POLITICAL TURMOIL?

Can true governance take place in an atmosphere full of violence and destruction?

It is glaring that the power above can’t stop controlling the one below.

It is high time President Tinubu once again called the warring parties to order, to allow peace reign and let the residents of the state enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Elder statesmen in Rivers state should stop escalating matters and appease both parties to sheath their sword and let the will of the masses prevail.

Starnews NG, therefore, calls on party leaders and stakeholders to let peace reign in Rivers state.