The group in a statement on Friday by the Director, Dr. Ekeanyanwu Promise, in Abuja, condemned the APC Rivers State chapter for its call for “emergency rule” in the state.
The forum explained that the move by the APC was a deliberate and calculated maneuver aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency.
The forum added that the current crisis in the local government system was a result of the APC’s own internal contradictions and mismanagement, and declaring a state of emergency would undermine democratic governance.
According to Promise, implementing such a measure would only serve to erode the trust of the populace in the democratic process, further disenfranchising the people of Rivers State and potentially exacerbating the existing tensions.
“We are dismayed and apprehensive about the recent declaration by the All Progressives Congress (APC) advocating for a state of emergency in Rivers State. This proposition, rather than offering a solution, appears to be a deliberate and calculated maneuver aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency,” Promise said.
“We, therefore, unequivocally and emphatically condemn the APC’s call for a state of emergency in Rivers State, as it is not only unwarranted but also a deliberate attempt to plunge the state into chaos, confusion, and turmoil. This move is a thinly veiled ploy to conceal their own culpability and destabilise the peace in Rivers State for political gain.
“We have been observing with grave concern and trepidation the recent call for a state of emergency by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and we are firmly convinced that this declaration is not aligned with the best interests of Rivers State and its inhabitants. On the contrary, it appears to be a deliberate and calculated scheme designed to precipitate monumental chaos and confusion in the state, a development that is both unfortunate and deeply distressing.
“It is apparent that the APC is exploiting this call for a state of emergency as a smokescreen to obscure their own actions in Rivers State, a ploy that we, as an organization steadfastly dedicated to promoting peace and stability, cannot and will not condone.
“We are persuaded that the APC’s call for a state of emergency is a politically motivated maneuver aimed at undermining the current administration in Rivers State, a dangerous plot to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and turmoil.
“The immediate arrest of the state chairman of the APC in Rivers State is a necessary step towards restoring peace, stability, and normalcy in the region.”
