A Niger Delta youth group, South-South Youths Initiative, has called for the immediate suspension of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, blaming him for the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
The group’s National President, Imeabe Oscar, in a statement on Tuesday, accused Wike of fueling the political tension in the state while enjoying protection from the federal government.
This demand comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, which the youth group described as an unfair and undemocratic move.
“Our main concern is that the President did not suspend the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, who is the main reason the political crisis remains unresolved,” the statement read.
In the statement, the group expressed disappointment that while the democratically elected executive arm of Rivers State has been suspended for six months, Wike, whom they see as a key player in the crisis, remains untouched. They argued that Tinubu’s decision to appoint a sole administrator in the state while leaving Wike in office shows bias.
“The political battle in Rivers State is between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and Wike, yet only one side has been penalized,” the group added, demanding that the President prove his impartiality by suspending Wike as FCT Minister.
Read: https://afrocover.com/rivers-crisis-atiku-condemns-tinubus-action-alleges-political-manipulation/
In addition, the South-South Youths Initiative urged the National Assembly to reject the state of emergency, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
“We have prayed that nothing derails democracy in this country, no matter how imperfect it may be. It is surprising that the President would make a decision that contradicts the principles of the rule of law. If a state of emergency is necessary, why wasn’t it declared in northern states where bandits and insurgents have been terrorizing communities?”, the statement asked.
Meanwhile, the group called for calm among Rivers people, urging them to remain peaceful as they navigate what they described as a ‘trying time’ in the state’s history.
