From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The leadership of South-South Physically Challenged Indigenes (SSPCI), has urged President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly and Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to fast-track the reconciliation process for the return of a democratic order in the state.
The group, which represents persons with disabilities (PWD), made the call when it addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, on the political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Tinubu recently.
In a statement signed by the Executive Chairman and Director of Administration of the state chapter of SSPCI, Mr. Altraide Itekena and Franklin Izidor respectively, the group urged the president to ensure the emergency rule did not exceed the six months duration.
The group noted that before the declaration of the emergency rule, governance was grounded with tensed political environment, which brought hardship and fear to the residents.
The group unanimously resolved “to work and support the appointment of Ibas in achieving presidential mandate as well as foster peace, harmonious and constitutional relations between the worrying arms of government in Rivers State.
“As a community, we believe in the capabilities of the Sole Administrator, Ibas, given his proven track records of excellence in leadership and development. We further support all appointments made by him as they target effective governance during the declared emergency rule. “We urge Sole Administrator Ibas to ensure that he is unbiased in his responsibility. And that PWD are included in his protem administration, and are recognised as special beneficiaries.”
The group also has called on President Tinubu to undertake a genuine overhaul of the Nigerian judicial system to meet public expectations. It further called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to fulfill its role as a vigilant watchdog of the judicial system and governance..