Rivers Crisis: Stakeholders Threaten Mass Action Against Political Actors

A coalition of civil society organisations, media practitioners and concerned citizens in Rivers State has raised alarm over the worsening political crisis in the state, describing it as an existential threat to peace, stability and development.

The stakeholders made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, where participants reviewed the growing political tension and its impact on governance.

According to the stakeholders, the political impasse is driven by “ambitions of state capture and resource control” and involves key political actors at the state and national levels, including President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and the incumbent Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

“The ongoing power struggle among political elites has paralysed governance and plunged Rivers State into an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty and instability,” the communiqué stated.

The coalition identified the lack of internal party democracy, money politics and the weakening of democratic institutions as the root causes of the crisis.

“The systematic falsification and mutilation of election results has eroded public trust in democracy and created a foundation for the current conflict,” the stakeholders said.

They alleged that the 2023 general elections were marked by unprecedented manipulation at both national and state levels.

“What we are witnessing today is the natural consequence of a fraudulent electoral process that rewarded impunity and sidelined the will of the people,” the communiqué added.

The stakeholders lamented that governance in Rivers State has been effectively suspended as public resources are allegedly being diverted into political battles.

“Scarce human, financial and natural resources meant for development are being wasted on selfish struggles for political survival, while the people suffer untold hardship,” they said.

They also criticised some citizens, media practitioners and civil society actors for taking partisan positions.

“Out of fear, ignorance or economic pressure, many well-meaning Rivers people have aligned with one faction or another, inadvertently prolonging this crisis,” the group noted.

The communiqué strongly condemned the roles allegedly played by INEC, security agencies and the judiciary.

“We unequivocally denounce the roles of INEC, partisan security agencies and a politically compromised judiciary in enabling and escalating this crisis through electoral manipulation and selective enforcement of the law,” the stakeholders declared.

The coalition stressed that rhetoric alone was no longer enough.
“Saying ‘Enough is Enough’ is no longer sufficient. It is time to walk the talk and take concrete collective action to rescue Rivers State,” the communiqué stated.

They demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional governance and peace in the state.
“We demand an immediate and unconditional end to all actions that threaten the peace and stability of Rivers State,” they said.

The stakeholders warned that failure to resolve the crisis would compel them to act.

“Should this crisis persist, we will have no choice but to mobilise Rivers people for peaceful but resolute mass actions to reclaim our state from further destruction,” the communiqué warned.

In a final call, the coalition urged residents to rise above partisan divisions.

“We call on Rivers people to reject any form of political Stockholm Syndrome and defend the collective interest of our state,” the group said.
“It is time to end the falsification and mutilation of election results once and for all. It is time to reclaim Rivers State.”