Niger Delta CSOs wade into Wike, Fubara rift
• CP tours LG secretariats, assures of police protection
• Chairmanship candidates flay attacks, urge IGP to work with gov
Niger Delta Civil Society Leaders Forum, a coalition of respected civil society organisations (CSOs) in the region, has raised concern about the escalating tension between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and canvassed for peace.
This was as Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, embarked on a tour of some local councils in the state to ascertain the damage done by hoodlums and arsonists on Monday.
Also, a coalition of chairmanship candidates in last week’s local council poll condemned the attacks on the councils. A statement endorsed by the Chairperson and Secretary of Niger Delta Civil Society Leaders Forum, Okezi Oduga and Emmanuel Ogan respectively, in Asaba, yesterday, lamented that the rift threatened the stability, security and development of the entire Niger Delta, especially Rivers.
While lamenting what it described as the escalating tension between Fubara and Wike, it appealed to the duo to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and work towards a united goal of developing Rivers.
Accompanied by senior police officers in the state, the newly-deployed CP said the tour was aimed at rebuilding public confidence in the police. He reassured the public of their safety and protection.
Receiving the new CP, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Council, Chijioke Ihunwo, thanked the police boss for the visit and assured him that Obio/Akpor would work with the police to maintain law and order.
AT a briefing in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the chairmanship candidates called for an audience with Governor Fubara to express their concerns regarding the recently concluded polls. They also urged the judicial commission of inquiry inaugurated by Fubara to thoroughly investigate the matter without favouring any individual.
Despite the unrest, which followed the local council polls, the candidates passed a vote of confidence in Fubara, commending his calm and peaceful approach in the face of provocation.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to instruct the IGP to work closely with Fubara, warning that the political instability in Rivers could have far-reaching effects on the country’s economy.
The briefing was addressed by the chairmanship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Abua/Odual Local Council, Progress Agbakoma, on behalf of 47 others across the political parties in 23 local councils of Rivers.
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