Eze Condemns Political Instability in Rivers State, Urges Leaders to Foster Peace After Election Chaos

PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The political landscape in Rivers State has become increasingly volatile in the wake of the recent local government elections, with Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing deep concern over the violence that has erupted since the elections.

In a press statement circulated to media outlets, Eze lamented the tragic events that unfolded less than 72 hours after the elections held on October 5, 2024, which were otherwise hailed as a significant milestone for the state.

“What could have been a celebratory occasion marking the 64th Independence Anniversary has turned into a lamentable saga of bloodshed and destruction,” Eze noted, referring to the chaos allegedly instigated by misguided youths affiliated with political factions. Local government secretariats were reportedly set ablaze, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a festive period for the people of Rivers State.

Eze commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting what many have described as one of the most transparent council elections in Nigeria, yet he emphasized the urgent need to curb the “excesses” of Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a former governor of the state. Eze accused Wike of fostering an environment conducive to unrest, claiming he is instigating chaos through his “rampaging wounded lions.”

Despite acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Eze criticized the president for failing to name Wike in his calls for restraint among local leaders. “It is unacceptable that while President Tinubu acknowledges the turmoil, he does not directly hold Wike accountable for the actions of his supporters,” Eze argued, adding that the lack of a stern directive to security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators is “worrisome and highly condemnable.”

He expressed alarm at the audacity of individuals claiming they are protesting the election results, stating that their refusal to allow duly elected council chairpersons to take office is an affront to the democratic process.

He urged the Rivers State Government to launch an investigation into these acts of violence, asserting that those responsible must be held accountable.

In his remarks, Eze highlighted the importance of collaboration among state leaders, urging Wike to emulate the leadership demonstrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He criticized Wike for failing to foster peace in Rivers State and called for an end to the “madness” unleashed by his supporters.

Eze also pointed out the troubling timing of the police withdrawal from local government secretariats, suggesting that it was ill-timed given prior intelligence reports about planned violence. He emphasized that the police must apologize for their earlier actions and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are apprehended.

Reflecting on the broader implications of the violence, Eze asserted that Rivers State cannot be held hostage by a single individual, declaring, “The state has moved ahead under Governor Sim Fubara’s leadership.” He called for a peaceful resolution to the current unrest and urged the pro-Wike faction to accept their electoral defeat and allow calm to prevail until the next election cycle in 2027.

As tensions simmer in Rivers State, the call for accountability and the restoration of peace remains paramount, with citizens watching closely to see how their leaders respond to this unfolding crisis.