“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state, by the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was a tough decision, I believe.
I can imagine the piles of security and intelligence reports, that Mr President had to contend with,as Rivers state was already "boiling" with threats of violence,from various splinter groups .
The press statements from self acclaimed war Lord's across the Niger Delta were unprecedented on the media space, with palpable fear, that threatened the security of lives and property in the state.
No doubt the commander in chief (CIC), having watched the looming anarchy, quickly stepped in. His timely intervention was very apt, as "a stitch in time saves nine",they say.
Even though he is heavily criticized, but no amount of criticism and condemnation from the opposition, will obliterate the fact that, Rivers state has been given a "fresh breath" by the reason of Mr President's declaration.
What was quite fascinating was the fact that .Mr President personally followed up the unfortunate events in the State, and promptly consulted widely, looking at the security implication, while also aligning with the rule of law in arriving at his decision.
In his declaration broadcast, he was clear when he succinctly declared that he has" watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis."
Worst still was the obvious fact the main actor,(the Governor) was complacent ,and perhaps because of his complicity , could not immediately, issue a strong statement to condem and stop the threats from various groups.
So Mr President was left with no other option than to take the difficult decision of declaration of a state of emergency, and the subsequent appointment of Retired vice Admiral Ibok ette Ibas, as sole administrator.
To many concerned citizens and stakeholders in the fight to stamp out bad governance in the state, this declaration remains the right step in the right direction for now.
And this is why the confirmation of the appointment of the sole administrator,by the National Assembly,and his subsequent resumption to duty is a welcome development.
Even though many people are of the opinion that this declaration would have been avoided, but truth is that, the main actor did not listen to the voice of reasoning. He saw the opposing voices as enemies,and rather felt comfortable with the illegalities, having been hoodwinked to the advice of betrayers.
If only he had listened,he probably would have foreseen the palpable danger and looming anarchy ahead.
It was this situation that the main opposition party in the state, was fighting to avoid. They confronted the main actor HE Gov Siminialayi in his illegalities and gross disregard to extant laws of the land, in the interest of the state.
Those who followed the crisis and the trajectory of the issues, would attest to the fact that, the key actor,Governor Siminialayi Fubara,was regularly alerted of the consequences of his actions and inactions,that seem to escalate the crisis continuously.
The main opposition party in the state, the All progressives Congress sounded "to the root tops" the malfeasances and misdemeanors of the key actor and promptly advised him to take quick steps to take responsibility, to address the issues.
He was constantly reminded of his flagrant disregard to the rule of law in the state by Chairman of APC, Chief Tony Okocha, but instead of humbling himself to good counsel, he rather decided to cling to the camp of betrayers, who continued to ill- advise him ,on every step.
Not only on the rule of law, he was regularly reminded of:
- his disobedience to court orders and judgements,
- his turning a deaf ear to skirmishes of security threats ,like the attack on the APC Secretarait,which the APC Chairman called for a state of emergency
- the danger in refusing to obey Mr President' s first Political solution, which involves full implementation of the 8 point agreement he brokered
- his spending of Rivers money without approved budget from the recognized Rivers state House of Assembly,
- inability to reconcile with his political family, including his benefactor,Chief Barr Ezenwo Nyensom Wike, his Leader..etc
Today the APC which is the frontline opposing voice in this crisis, has been vindicated.
Rivers people are grateful to Mr President for taking this tough decision,in the midst of stern criticisms and campaign of calumny.
These criticisms notwithstanding, Rivers people are happy that, peace,law and order have been restored,and no amount of criticisms will be equated to the peace presently in the state.
My appeal to the critics,and all those fuelling the crisis is that they should give peace a chance, and cooperate with the sole administrator,and all leaders of thought,to pursue genuine reconciliation that will bring an end to the crisis.
To the Governor, this is the time to take advantage of this second intervention by Mr President to ;
- Embark on a personal reconciliation without your Boss, His Excellency chief Barr Ezenwo Nyensom Wike.This is critical,and I believe you can work with genuine and concerned leaders of your political family,and other opinion leaders to achieve that.
- Engage the RSHA Members in conjunction with the Leadership of the National Assembly for a whollistic reconciliation of all contending issues
- embrace all Rivers people with an open heart (especially your critics), nothing regarding some as enemies in the spirit of the new reconciliation.
Time has come for all Rivers people to take advantage of this great opportunity provided by the presidential intervention, to sheath all swords, and embrace all peace initiatives that will bring back total unity to our dear state.
Those politicians and ethnic bigots who took advantage of the political impasse, to whim ethnic sentiments inorder to gain ' cheap political relevance," should have a rethink, and be patriotic enough to join in building bridges of true reconciliation for the unity of our people.
Our state has been maligned for so long on account of this crisis. It is time to say NO to selfish leaders and political entrepreneurs whose target is to demarket the state and cause more crisis.
The Governor should take full responsibility. He should jettison ethnic and political sentiments and take full advantage that the President's intervention provides.
Above all , I thank Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,for taking this tough decision,to give Rivers state,a fresh breath,and I join the good people of Rivers state,to pray for enduring peace.
Dr Godpower Egbono
former APC PCC member & Stake Holder APC Rivers state
Tags
News