Port Harcourt – Traditional rulers in Rivers State have called into disrepute the ‘calls’ for a state of emergency by urging President Bola Tinubu to ignore them, describing the move as “unjustifiable” and “a ploy to create anarchy and bloodbath”. The Forum of Chairpersons of Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers in the state made the call in a communique issued on Monday, signed by all 23 local government chairpersons except Sergeant Awuse, who was recently removed as chairperson of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The traditional rulers’ plea comes amidst a political crisis rocking the state, which turned violent last month, resulting in two deaths, including a police officer. The crisis began when former elected local council chairpersons, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, refused to vacate office after their tenure expired. Supporters of the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stormed council secretariats, demanding the former officials leave. The police took over the secretariats to prevent further violence.

Tony Okocha, the chairperson of the All Progressives Congress caretaker committee in the state, called for a state of emergency, claiming “Rivers State is at war”. However, the traditional rulers disagreed, stating that the state is peaceful and hosts international events. They urged President Tinubu to ignore the call, which they believe is a ploy to create chaos and justify military intervention.

The communique condemned the instigation of violence by “overzealous politicians” and urged the police to remain professional and unbiased. They also encouraged Governor Fubara to continue delivering good governance despite attempts to derail his vision.

It remains to be seen how things progress from here on out.