The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition party in Rivers State, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state. Umpirenews reported that this request was made in response to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State following the swearing-in of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor.
During a press conference in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Wednesday, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha, expressed, “Rivers State is currently embroiled in conflict. The individuals responsible for the violence that has resulted in loss of life are known. Both the Governor and the police find themselves helpless. Consequently, the APC in Rivers State is advocating for a state of emergency to be declared as a means of quelling the violence and unrest in the state. I implore the federal government to take prompt action in this matter.”
This appeal by the APC comes shortly after Governor Fubara inaugurated newly appointed caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. Umpirenews reported that this ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amidst stringent security measures.
Umpirenews further reported that the appointment of the CTC chairmen occurred the day after the list was submitted to the state House of Assembly, which is currently under the leadership of Speaker Victor Jumbo.
It is worth noting that the Federal Government possesses the jurisdiction to declare a state of emergency in response to a natural disaster, civil unrest, military conflict, disease outbreak, epidemic, or any other threat to public health and safety.
