•Says FG Must Address Nation’s Dire Socio-Economic Issues

A group of professionals under the aegis of the South East South South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) has valued on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately withdraw police officers who have been laying siege on the 23 Local Governments in Rivers State or face legal actions, including peaceful protest, until they vacate the Councils.

The group also called on all actors in what it described as an unfortunate crisis to understand that Rivers State is bigger than them and will continue to exist long after them.

This call was made by the group on Wednesday in Lagos while addressing a press conference on the recent developments in Rivers State and the general state of the nation.

Expressing concern about the situation in Rivers State, the SESSPN condemns in its totality the unilateral actions of the Nigerian Police Force purportedly for security reasons and claims that the matter is in court.

Speaking during the conference, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, President of SESSPN, noted that the Nigerian nation is reeling in despair occasioned by poverty, hunger, disease, massive youth unemployment, unbelievable corruption, constant misuse of power, grand theft of public funds, and the terrible security situation. He stated that the politicians have continued to behave in an intolerable manner that suggests they do not want anything good to come out of Nigeria.

SESSPN maintained that the Local Government Councils are, under the Nigerian Constitution, effectively under the control of State Governments, and there is no indication that the Rivers State Government invited the Nigerian Police.

“It is, therefore, the view of SESSPN that the police must be careful not to join the march to orchestrate a constitutional crisis which may become hydra-headed.

“We commend the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the maturity and candor he has exhibited in the face of these provocations and assure him that the SESSPN will stand by him in all that is legal for the People of Rivers State.

“We also urge all stakeholders and detractors alike to stop calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State because a state of emergency does not amount to dismantling the democratic government elected by the people.”

The SESSPN also addressed the gubernatorial elections coming up in Edo State later in the year, stating that while the misconducts committed by INEC and some criminally-minded politicians and their cronies during the 2023 General Elections are still in the public space and have disillusioned many Nigerians, the SESSPN is hereby calling on INEC to redeem its image by conducting a very transparent election in Edo State.

“We believe that INEC, as an independent body, must hold its ground and conduct a transparent election where the votes of the people count. Politicians in Edo State are urged to behave themselves and see the election as an opportunity to advance the interest of Edo State, not their personal interest or that of their political parties.”

The SESSPN also averred that the hunger and poverty in the nation, mostly occasioned by the ill-misguided policies of this present administration, is worrisome.

“While the prices of foodstuffs, goods, and services have increased astronomically beyond the reach of most Nigerians, the Federal Government seems to be content with making frivolous appointments, increasing taxes, and budgeting for the luxuries of its officials.

“We further call on the Federal Government to immediately wake up to its responsibilities and stop the slide into anarchy and chaos which they have created by the unleashing of hunger and poverty on Nigerians.”