Youth Leaders Reject Call For Emergency Rule In Rivers

The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC) has rejected the call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the declaration of state of emergency in the state.

The youth leaders said the demand was not only baseless but also reveals the generic scheme by enemies of the people to disrupt governance in the state.

RSEYLC, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its chairman, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, urged the opposition in the state to accept this and wait for the 2027.

The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition firmly rejects the call for a state of emergency in Rivers State by the factional Rivers State Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC. This demand is not only baseless but also reveals the generic scheme by enemies of Rivers people to disrupt governance in our state.

“The swift appeal to the presidency for a state of emergency exposes the malicious intent of former Chairmen, Assembly members, and the APC to paralyse governmental operations in Rivers State. We want to make it unequivocally clear that their nefarious plans have failed and will continue to fail.

“We urge them and their cohorts in crisis mongering to accept the reality that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, KSC commands deep-rooted love, respect and organic support from the people of Rivers State. No amount of malevolent plotting can alter this fact.”

The group added that, “Every state can have only one Governor at a time, and for Rivers State, that Governor is Sir Siminalayi Fubara. We urge the opposition to accept this and wait for the 2027 elections. Their repeated attempts to destabilise the state, including the failed kangaroo impeachment process and the attempts to make Rivers State ungovernable have been thwarted by the resilience of the Rivers people.

“The refusal of the former Chairmen to vacate office after their tenure was an attempt to transform the state into a conflict zone, hoping to justify a state of emergency. However, the people of Rivers State have chosen peace and demonstrated unwavering support for the Governor across all 23 LGAs.”

It commended Governor Fubara for his maturity in paying salaries to the outgoing chairmen, councillors, and local government staff, despite their opposition to him and his administration.

The group noted this as exemplifying the Governor’s democratic principles and his dedication to peace and development.

“We also urge all stakeholders to unite in building a better Rivers State, focusing on security, prosperity, and job creation for the youth,” the group said.

It also called on President Bola Tinubu, and all Nigerians to disregard Chief Tony Okocha’s call for a declaration of state of emergency in the state.

“These are mere attempts by those opposed to peace and progress to disrupt our state. If the APC under Okocha believes they have the support of the people, let them wait until 2027. They will then witness the decisive response of the Rivers people,” the youth leaders said.