- Rotimi Adewole warned that any attempt to cause chaos, confusion and anarchy would be met with stiff resistance by Nigerians
- Adewole said the group is concerned about the potential to undermine the democratic process.
The Coalition for Democracy and Change in Nigeria (CDCN) has alleged that some local government chairmen in Rivers are planning to instigate chaos and violence in the state.
In a statement by Rotimi Adewole, the leader of the coalition, warned against any attempt to cause anarchy in the state.
Adewole said the LGA chairmen would be held accountable for any threat against the stability of the state and safety of residents.
“The Coalition for Democracy and Change in Nigeria, a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance, is alarmed by credible information revealing plots by some Local government chairmen in Rivers State to instigate chaos and a breakdown of law and order in the state,” the statement said.
“According to our sources, these chairmen, allegedly working in cahoots with certain political interests, aim to disrupt the peace and stability of Rivers State through violent means, including attacks on political opponents, destruction of property, and other forms of violence.
“We are deeply concerned about this development and its potential to undermine the democratic process, threaten the safety and security of citizens, and destabilise the entire region.
“This dangerous plot is a desperate attempt to destabilise the state and pave the way for their selfish gains.
“The chairmen’s actions are a clear violation of their oath of office and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to destabilise the state: we will hold you accountable for your actions, and we will not rest until peace and stability are restored in Rivers State.
“Any attempt to instigate violence, vandalism, or chaos will not be tolerated and will face the full wrath of the law. We, therefore, urge the relevant authorities, including security agencies and the Rivers State Government, to take immediate action to prevent this plot from materialising.
“We also call on all political actors to prioritise peace, tolerance, and the rule of law, and to refrain from any actions that could compromise the stability and well-being of the state and its people. The people of Rivers State should not be at the receiving end of certain political interests, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are protected.”
The coalition called on security agencies to monitor the actions of political actors in the state to avert any form of violence.
BACKSTORY
On May 8, the Rivers chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) accused Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, of withholding the funds meant for the LGAs since April 2024.
Allwell Ihunda, chairman of ALGON in Rivers, said Fubara “deliberately refused” to hold the joint account allocation committee meeting in the state.
Ihunda, who is also the chairman of Port Harcourt LGA, said the Rivers governor is “starving the third tier of government of the needed funds to discharge their functions”.
Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), have been at loggerheads over political control of the state.
The rift between the duo ignited political tension in the state and caused the polarisation of the state house of assembly.
Subsequently, commissioners loyal to Wike resigned their positions from Fubara’s cabinet.
On Monday, former President Goodluck Jonathan asked Wike and Fubara to settle their differences and work together for the peace of the state.
The amendment empowers the house of assembly via resolution to extend the tenure of elected chairpersons of LGAs and councillors, where it is considered impracticable to hold elections before the expiration of their three-year term in office.
The Rivers assembly said the amendment was to ensure that LGA elections were conducted before the expiration of the outgoing administration.
On April 16, the Rivers high court in Port Harcourt, the state capital, issued an interim injunction directing the house of assembly to maintain the status quo on the move to extend the tenure of elected LGA officials.
The order followed a suit filed by Enyiada Cooky-Gam, executive chairman of Opobo-Nkoro LGA, and eight other elected council officials.
However, despite the court order, the Rivers assembly passed the LGA amendment bill into law.
Most of the LGA chairpersons are also Wike’s loyalists.