Over 23 first class traditional rulers representing the Traditional Rulers Council in Rivers State have condemned call by the opposition for an emergency rule in the State.
The traditional rulers under the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council made the call on Monday at the end of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Forum of Chairmen of Local Government Area Councils of Traditional Rulers held at the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers secretariat in Port Harcourt.
The royal fathers insisted that such calls cannot be justified in a State that is peaceful and has continued to host several international seminars, symposia and workshops with a record of peaceful nightlife.
In their words, “We condemn in strong terms, the instigation of violence in our different communities and Kingdoms by some overzealous politicians, as a way of preparing the ground for anarchy, bloodbath and complete breakdown of law and order as a precursor to the call for state of emergency.”
In the light of this, they urged the President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to ignore the call for a declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State as such a call cannot be justified in a state that is peaceful and has continued to host several international seminars, symposia and workshops with a record of peaceful nightlife.
They urged the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to remain steadfast in his delivery of good governance to the people of Rivers State, and not be detracted by calculated attempts from certain individuals and groups to derail his vision for the
While congratulating the governor on his electoral victory at the Supreme Court as well as his successful one year in office, the traditional rulers commended him for appointing another traditional ruler of repute from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality as Chairman of Council.
They congratulated the new chairman, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV on his appointment and however thanked the immediate past chairman of council, Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, Nne Nwe-Eli Emohua XIII, Olo IV, for his services to the council and wished him well in his future endeavours.
As far as they are concerned, the instigation of violence in our different communities and Kingdoms by some overzealous politicians, as a way of preparing the ground for anarchy, bloodbath and complete breakdown of law and order as a precursor to the call for state of emergency.
The body urged investors in Rivers State to continue to sustain their businesses without fear as there is nothing on ground that threatens the security of their investments in the State, while wooing potential investors to come and invest in the State because the State is peaceful and has everything that can grow a business.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has requested the Inspector General of Police to advise officers and men in Rivers State to deal with the current politically instigated crisis in Rivers State with utmost professionalism and impartiality.
They raised the alarm over cries from some quarters that the Nigeria Police in Rivers State is taking sides in its dealing with the issues arising from the current situation in the State.

Kevin Nengia