Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairmen Issue Warning Against Planned Protest

The recently inaugurated caretaker committee chairmen of the local government areas have issued a warning to various security agencies, including the police and the Rivers state government, as well as the general public, regarding an upcoming protest organized by the ousted former local government chairmen, former members of the state House of Assembly, and National Assembly members.

These caretaker committee chairmen, who are also members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, have described the planned protest as a scheme aimed at inciting chaos and disorder in the state.

The chairman of ALGON, Prince Ichemati Ezebunwo, has stated that the protest is intended to destabilize governance and create an excuse to implement their plan for a state of emergency in the state.

Ezebunwo emphasized, “We want to bring to the attention of the general public the planned protest by the former local government chairmen, former House of Assembly members, and National Assembly members who are loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike. They are protesting against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) who are responsible for overseeing the 23 local government councils across the state.”

He further added, “This planned protest does not serve the interests of the local governments or the state as a whole. Instead, it is a deliberate attempt by enemies of our beloved state to tarnish the reputation of our people, cause chaos, and use it as a means to reinforce their unwarranted demand for the declaration of a state of emergency in our state.”

“We want to make it clear that we, the members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, and our people, fully support the decision of the police to take control and ensure the protection of all local government council secretariats until further instructions are given on this matter.”

Ezebunwo emphasized that since the caretaker committee chairmen assumed their duties, there have been no attempts to forcefully seize or gain access to any of the local government secretariats, as per the Governor’s directive. This remained the case until the police removed the barriers that were put in place to safeguard government assets.

He stated, “We want to make it clear that we have no affiliation whatsoever with the planned protest, as it goes against the progress and well-being of the people of our state. We are aware of the sinister intentions of certain desperate politicians who aim to exploit the protest as a means to cause chaos and disrupt governance in the state.”

Ezebunwo, who also serves as the caretaker committee chairman for Port Harcourt City Council, urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take immediate action and ensure the maintenance of law and order by preventing any unlawful protests in the state.

He added, “Therefore, we urge all law-abiding citizens of our beloved state to disregard the planned protest and continue with their lawful and legitimate activities. We want to make it clear that if there is any breakdown of law and order resulting from the planned protest, the organizers and their sponsors mentioned earlier should be held accountable.”

“We would like to express our gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support towards the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, and his administration, which is diligently delivering the remarkable benefits of democracy to the people of Rivers.”

The statement was signed by all 23 local government council caretaker committee chairmen.