Elders under the auspices of the Rivers Leaders Forum (RLF) have faulted the allegation of the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, that a purported dynamite’s explosion close to the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt was designed to entrench the call for a state of emergency in Rivers.
According to The Nation, the leaders said the governor lied describing his position as “misinformation” and “deliberate efforts” to undermine the state’s peace and security.
The leaders explained that a peaceful march was held in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to show solidarity with former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nyesom Wike, and to thank the police for keeping the peace despite the governor's provocative actions.
"The same style he used when Assembly was bombed." He charged Wike and swiftly stated that the state was investigating and would arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Have you heard anything yet about the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex?
"Governor Sim Fubara stated that he is not battling anyone, but he told the world that 'Jungle has matured'. We are aware that the governor plays the victim when, in reality, he is the aggressor, influencing everyone to do his bidding and blaming others for unsuccessful outcomes."
Another leader and former Chief of Staff, Chukwuemeka Woke, queried when a peaceful protest became a call for a state of emergency, noting that the governor has sponsored over 100 protests in the state since October 2023.
He stated, "On December 12, 2023, a coalition of youths of Ijaw ethnic nationalities embarked on a solidarity visit to Governor Sim." On December 17, 2023, the members from Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, and Andoni Federal Constituencies organized a protest for Governor Sim.
"On December 23, 2023, Group Concern Youths stormed Government House, urging the governor to withdraw the Presidential Peace Proclamation." On February 22, 2024, a group of women known as Rivers Women for Sim took to the streets of Port Harcourt to support Governor Sim.