Elder statesman, Chief Christopher Okonkwo has described the proclamation of State of Emergency by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on Rivers State as uncalled for, arguing that there was no breakdown of law and order in the state that would warrant such measure.
Okonkwo said that the country is dying as a result of bad leadership, adding that “virtually all our political leaders are bunch of disappointment who are only interested in their own personal gain.
“Regrettably, our President seems to be the worst culprit, having travelled to France for medical check and it is obvious that a lot of money would have been spent on that trip.”
On the issue of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Okonkwo held the view that such action by the President was not only unconstitutional but dictatorial. “Besides, the President would have appointed another person from Rivers State instead of going outside the state to choose a retired military officer to continue from where Governor Fubara stopped.
“For me, I see this play out as not only a ploy by President Tinubu to destroy Rivers State but to milk the state dry by acquiring enough resources in readiness for 2027 Presidential election.
“I think the best option for Mr. President now is to rescind his decision by calling Governor Fubara back, which is the only language the good people of Rivers are yearning to hear as anything short of that would be tantamount to a dangerous precedent that could erode democratic institutions across the country.”
Okonkwo who is also the Managing Director of Ogamco Nigeria Limited, condemned the “unbelievable role played by members of the National Assembly as relates to supporting the State of Emergency in Rivers State for their selfish interest.”
Commenting on the peaceful protest held in Port Harcourt, Okonkwo gave members of the Police team a hard knock, following their attack on the innocent citizens who were demanding an end to what they describe as an unlawful and dangerous subversion of democracy in Rivers State.
He said that even in the USA, peaceful protest are allowed, and wondered why it will be a difficult ball game in Nigeria when people are out demanding for their right.
Okonkwo further called on President Tinubu “to revisit his earlier proclamation, call off the State of Emergency and restore Governor Fubara back, having seen that it is the only solution that will restore peace in Rivers State.”
