COALITION of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria has declared that they will stand by the popular will of the Rivers people in the ongoing political impasse between the former governor, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and his successor Sim Fubara.
According to a signed statement by Amb. Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke on behalf of the Coalition, the Rivers political crisis is an unnecessary distraction which is affecting governance in the state “hence the need for the Civil Societies to intervene on behalf of the people and for the aspiration and wishes of the people” the statement added.
The statement stated that the Coalition will be organising an international press briefing with journalists drawn from various international media houses to state it’s position which definitely will be in line with the popular wish of all Rivers sons and daughters.
The statement described the governor as a leader who craves peace and has pursued peace since the crisis began and urged those taking his peaceful stance for granted to apply restraint inorder not to conflagrate the state.
Amb. Nkweke also called for the respect of constitutional provisions in any consultations or political agreements that will be entered to in the course of settling the dispute.
“We definitely should not erode constitutional provisions just because we want to make quick fix. The crisis in Rivers state should not lead to disrespect of constitutional provisions. The President and all actors in this crisis should be advised to abide by the provisions of the constitution.
“They should also bear in mind that there are many other states having political issues especially Benue state. So if they decide to resort to unconstitutional ways of solving political issues then they should expect a ripple effect which will not do our democracy any good,” the statement read.
