Three months after the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, residents, including experts, have decried multiple taxation and the state’s struggling economy.
They lamented that the emergency regime is not achieving the purpose for which it was declared and expressed worry about the worsening economic decline and fragile peace in the state.
On March 18, this year, President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly, following the lingering political crisis in the State.
The President further appointed a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, to lead the state, stating that he was greatly disturbed by the ongoing crisis and expressed hope that his action would restore peace and stability in the state.
The Senate approved the President’s declaration of a State of Emergency on March 20, following a closed-door meeting with lawmakers.
However, three months later, the residents have lamented low business. Traders in Mile One, Mile Three and other markets in the state have raised alarm over low patronage.
Additionally, business owners complained about being subjected to multiple taxation with no oversight. Findings show that various groups of tax collectors are now harassing business owners and traders across the state.
Speaking on this, a policy expert and Lecturer at the Marketing Department, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Dike Bekwele, affirmed that the duplication of taxes in the state is worrisome and allegedly driving investors away.
Bekwele said, “On the economic indicator, generally, business activities in Rivers State since the emergency regime are low. Companies are discouraged by the multiplication of taxes, and others are still confused and apprehensive about what is going on.”
“What is happening is affecting the state’s reputation. A brand is what tells people who you are and what you represent, and reputation matters a lot. What are people saying about Rivers State?
“It is only when you have a good reputation that investors will have a good relationship with you. The situation in the state is affecting its social, cultural, and economic stability,” he stated.
The varsity don described the relative peace and calmness in the state as unimaginable.
He said, “What we are witnessing currently is unimaginable peace because we were thinking that by this declaration of State of Emergency, all the actors involved would have been made to come together and embrace peace, but the current peace is still very fragile. The actors in the camp of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, are saying that even if the governor joins the All Progressive Congress (APC), he won’t be forgiven, he will still be impeached.
This shows that the State of Emergency failed to achieve the aim that the President assured.”
Also, a Policy Analyst, Dr. Kennedy Allen-Nwokamma, argued that the sole administrator has done nothing to improve the economy, the state and its citizens.
However, a lawyer, Chimenem Wordi, said that the bad economy is not limited to Rivers State, but a global problem.
Wordi said the administrator has done his best in ensuring peace and development of the state.
On his part, the Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Society Organisation, Enefaa Georgewill, insisted that all actions taken by the President in appointing the sole administrator and subsequent appointments made are alien to the constitution.
“The President cannot rule Rivers through the back door. Non-indigene or indigene is a mere distraction. We insist that the President ruling Rivers through the back door is illegal,” Georgewill said.
Georgewill also faulted the nomination of Michael Odey, an indigene of Cross River State, as Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
He said the State of Emergency in Rivers State is illegal. He argued that any appointments made under the current administration, including the nomination to the RSIEC, are also unlawful.
Georgewill added that the organisation is ready to pursue all legal channels to challenge the appointment.
“The only person that have the right to appoint those who will conduct local government elections is the elected Governor of Rivers State; any other person, either by proxy or any means, so appointed is illegal. We encourage all those who have gone to court to remain in court. Judges should have the courage to declare such an appointment or nomination illegal. We will challenge such an appointment through any instruments within our reach,” he added.
