Rivers State continues to escalate as feuding parties await the decision of the Court of Appeal. The former speaker of the River State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 others are seeking to halt the implementation of a high court ruling that removed them from office.
According to daily post news, the crisis has led to a breakdown in law and order, with clashes between supporters of the incumbent governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, resulting in at least two security operatives losing their lives.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency, citing the breakdown in law and order. "We called for a state of emergency in Rivers State because of the breakdown of law and order in the state," said Ikenga Chibike, Publicity Secretary of the APC.
"You are all aware that three people were shot dead a day before we called for the state of emergency in Rivers State. Aside from those who were shot dead, many other persons had gunshot wounds and matchet cuts. There was a serious security issue. People were unable to go about their lawful businesses."
The Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria described the move as a "deliberate and calculated manoeuvre aimed at exacerbating the existing instability in the region for political expediency".
As the crisis continues to unfold, the police have taken over the LG secretariats to forestall further bloodshed and prevent deterioration of security in the state.
The caretaker chairmen nominated by Governor Fubara have been barred from accessing their offices, and the APC has accused the governor of abandoning his responsibility to protect lives and properties.