As political tensions in Rivers State continue to escalate, the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has made an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain his Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
With the crisis in the oil-rich state taking a perilous turn, the organisation seeks to prevent further deterioration and promote a peaceful resolution. By urging President Tinubu to curb Wike’s actions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing aims to mitigate the situation and prevent potential consequences that could have far-reaching and devastating effects.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed on Wednesday that the perpetrators of the attempted bombing at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, where National Assembly members were staying, have been identified.
He expressed concern over the silence of security agencies on the matter.
During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Fubara alleged that the failed bombing was part of a larger plot to justify the call for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He accused supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of Federal Capital Territory, of being behind the plot, describing them as “haters” seeking to destabilise the state for their own gain.
“As a matter of fact, let me tell you, I know of everything that is happening. Yesterday (Tuesday), they (protesters) were aware that you are in the state. So, there was an attempt to create a serious problem,” he said.
In response to the unfolding crisis in Rivers State, the Ohanaeze Youths Wing expressed alarm over the escalating anarchy and condemned the sinister plot to disrupt peace and undermine Governor Fubara’s leadership.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, the organisation denounced the brazen actions of former chairmen and their cohorts, who barricaded local government headquarters entrances, as a blatant challenge to the established authority.
Ohanaeze Youths Wing sees this move as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the state and hinder Governor Fubara’s efforts to provide effective governance to the people.
“Our attention has been drawn to the looming anarchy and the intention to cause breach of peace in a bid to derailing the executive Governor of River State, His Excellency, Sir Simnalayi Fubara from delivering his people oriented projects,” the statement read.
“We are miffed by the audacity of the outgone Chairmen and their agents to disrupt Government activities in the Local Government Headquarters across the state by barricading the entrance to these Government facilities.
“Indeed, there is a saying in Igbo adage that says; if the oracle misbehaves it will be reminded that it was carved out of the wood.”
“Nigeria is a Constitutional democracy,” Ohanaeze Youths noted adding “it is an aberration for anyone to attempt to play God in the affairs of men.”
“Constitutionally, Gov Fubara, was elected to serve a four year term, with a constitutional convention for a second term, just like the outgone Chairmen.
“Therefore, the Igbo youths call on Mr President to wade in to this brouhaha in bid to deescalate this tension.”
