President Goodluck Jonathan has described the crisis rocking Rivers State as unfortunate and regrettable.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, he also urged those responsible for the mayhem to stop it immediately.
The statement reads: “President Goodluck Jonathan has noted with concern the recent untoward political developments in Rivers State and he calls on all those involved in regrettable acts of political violence to show greater respect for the constitution and the rule of law.
“President Jonathan urges members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and all other political gladiators in the state to put the interests of the state and the nation above their personal egos and ambitions that seem to have gotten in the way of their expected commitment to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.
“The President calls on all those who were remotely or directly involved in heightening political tension in Rivers State to put an immediate end to their actions which are capable of plunging Rivers State into public disorder and strive to settle their political differences without further recourse to barbaric acts of violence.
“President Jonathan expects all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, irrespective of their current affiliations or loyalties, to comport themselves with greater restraint while efforts continue to resolve existing differences and restore internal harmony to the state branch of the party.
“The Presidency has also noted with regret the continuing attempts by some individuals and groups to place responsibility for the unpleasant developments in Rivers State on President Jonathan.
“We are constrained to state once again that there is absolutely no factual basis for suggestions that some of the politicians involved in the current dispute are acting at the behest of the President.
“President Jonathan certainly did not instigate the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and as President of the nation, he will never support any actions that negate his avowed commitment to the rule of law. The President will also never violate his oath of office to always defend the Nigerian Constitution”.
Meanwhile, members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum have also said that everything must be done immediately to nip the crisis in the bud.
To the members, in a statement signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, the crisis was shameful.
The statement reads: “Events in Rivers State resulting in the shameful occupation of the State Government House by members of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 are a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy. These developments are not only worrisome but outrightly condemnable as an affront on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) unequivocally condemns the ill-disguised attempt to create a State of Emergency in Rivers State by plunging the State into a needless and avoidable crisis.
“All available evidences surrounding the events of Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9 & 10 indicated that the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu and his men did not act in a professional manner. Before now, the State Police Commissioner has exhibited very clear bias against the Governor and other State Officials. This is a dangerous development that would only produce anarchy with unpredictable consequences.
“Events of July 9 &10 in Rivers State represent acts sponsored by anarchists whose interest include subverting our democracy and expose the lives of democratically elected representatives to great danger. As it is today, the orderly conduct of democratic institutions in Rivers States have been impaired and the life of Governor Amaechi and his team are in great danger. The constitutional responsibility of the State House of Assembly is being impeded and in the circumstance the House of Representatives has voted to take over the functions of the State House of Assembly as provided under section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
“It is very clear to all discerning Nigerians that the crisis in Rivers State is a product of intolerance and highhanded attempts to undermine our rights as Governors acting under the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to freely choose our leaders. Having elected Governor Amaechi on May 24 as the Chairman of NGF, the anti-democratic forces against the election are now using other security agencies to threaten and intimidate Governor Amaechi and in the process engineer anarchy and endanger innocent lives and property in Rivers State.
“This is not only a condemnable act but a gross abuse of power. We strongly call on President Goodluck Jonathan to not only exercise his moral authority, but also apply his constitutional responsibilities to ensure the restoration of peace and protection of the Governor and all citizens.
“Should the crisis in Rivers State continue and anything happen to the Governor or any official for that matter, the Nigerian leadership wouldn’t be absolved of responsibility.
“We call on all Nigerians to do all within their powers to prevail on all in positions of trust and responsibilities to exercise their power with restraint and refrain from steps that might plunge this fragile democracy into a descent to depravity.
Also lending his voice to the crisis, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said all right thinking Nigerians must condemn the violence in the state.
To him, individuals must express their views with decorum in line with the democratic tenets of freedom of expression.
He, however, debunked insinuations making rounds of the involvement of the Presidency and the party leadership in the show of shame displayed by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Tukur said that the five lawmakers that embarked on impeachment move have the constitutional right to air
their view but such views must be done within the reach of their constitutional right, warning that any dubious move to cause unnecessary breach of peace will not be tolerated by the
party.
