Niger Delta based pressure group, Best Progressives Forum (BPF), has sternly condemned the assault of peaceful protesters in the state capital by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command.
BPF insisted that the action of the police contracenened the principles of good governance, justice, fairness and equity, emphasising that the move is equally undemocratic and uncivilised.
The group however called for the restatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, suspended by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on March 18 after declaring a state of emergency in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Best Progressives Forum’s National Leader, Bestman Nnadi as well as its Director of Publicity, Abadi, Silas, shortly after their second quarter Leadership Round Table meeting in Port Harcourt.
Nnadi, explained that the proclamation of State of emergency and suspension of democratically elected executive and legislative arms of government is the best approach to resolving the lingering political crisis in the state.
He pointed out that the law is very clear procedures of removing an elected Governor of a state, which must either be through impeachment, death, incapacitation or resignation.
The statement reads in part, “The Rivers State scenario can be likened to a rape of our democracy in a bit to foster certain narrow interest not in tandem with the interest of the generality of the people of Rivers State”.
The group further stated that a vote of confidence was equally passed on the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, owing to the fact that his administration had within the shortest possible period improved upon workers welfare, infrastructural development, economic empowerment and inclusion of the youth in government as well as maintaining law and order in the state.
BPF called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the State of Emergency proclamation in the State and allow the democratically elected government officials dispense governance in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, to enable Rivers people and residents access the dividends of democracy.
They also commended former Rivers State Governor. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his boldness, courage and fearless reaction on the matter, noting that Amaechi remains a blessing to Rivers people,
The group however called on young and aspiring leaders to emulate his principles and excellent antecedents in public office in their quest for redefining governance in Nigeria.
