Follow Us on Google
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the former lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sir Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, have commended President Bola Tinubu for restoring the democratic structures in Rivers, after six months of emergency rule.
CDHR President, Mr. Debo Adeniran, said it was commendable that he was able to have the political will to keep to his words, which had further restored the confidence of the people of the state in his leadership.
“It is the most appropriate thing to happen to Rivers State, before now a lot of people had speculated that the state of emergency might be extended.
“If that had been done, it would have been an overkill because the period when the emergency lasted there had been almost complete peaceful co-existence between people of different opinions in the state.
“The agitation that led to the demolition of the building of the House of Assembly was no longer there and the altercation between the political parties and structures were no longer there.
“So there has been relative peace everywhere. The end of the state of emergency is a good thing and the time it was brought to a complete end is appropriate.”
Adeniran urged political gladiators in Rivers to learn from the emergency rule and begin to work for the peace and stability of the state.
He also urged the hitherto disagreeing parties to always resolve their differences amicably to keep the political atmosphere in the state peaceful.
According to him, politicians in other states should learn from Rivers’ experience and not allow political differences to affect public peace.
In his reaction, Idimogu commended Tinubu and backed calls for a probe of the interim regime.
According to him, there is nothing wrong in calling someone to render an account of his stewardship. “At times, we are just afraid of the unknown, there is nothing wrong in probing. The fact remains that Nigeria has become something that people will just come and they take it as their personal company, or personal home, you just do as you like. And there is no accountability, it is wrong, absolutely wrong.
“Let our dear President, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, even use this opportunity to show Nigerians that he can hold some people accountable.
“So the man at the head of the Interim Government should give account. Of course all the allocations that have been paid, he should give account, there is nothing wrong with that. It will also be a lesson to other people that might even have an opportunity like that tomorrow, but if he just sweeps everything under the carpet, it breeds corruption, corruption thrives because nobody gives account. Or you only give account to your godfather or those people that appointed you, no, it is wrong, we cannot continue doing things the way we normally do them.
“I will encourage Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use it as example to let Nigerians know that, yes he can hold people to account, that is probity and accountability in every responsibility given by him to whoever so that we learn from it, where there is mistake we learn from our mistakes.
“So I support the call for the Interim Government in Rivers State to be probed, to be held accountable, there is no big deal there, this is what I received from the federal government, this is how I spent it. After all, it is a public fund. It is not his personal fund. So with due respect, let our president encourage that and get it done. It will be better for him as the president and better for our country Nigeria,” Idimogu said in a statement.
Applauding Tinubu for restoring peace to Rivers, Idimogu described the President as a democrat with so much love for peace and the rule of law.
He urged Nigerians to give Tinubu maximum support, saying ” Rome is never built in a day.”
Other News
He admonished those involved in the imbroglio directly or indirectly to sheath their sword and give peace a chance for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“I believe that Fubara and other gladiators by now must have also learnt their lessons. Let all stakeholders unite and give peace a chance.
“We expect that both the executive and legislature will listen to the voice of reasoning, and act for the interest of Rivers people.
“Now is time to hit the ground running to cover the lost ground occasioned by the crisis that necessitated the emergency rule.
“I want to plead with the lawmaker to give the governor due honour and respect for his office and this should be reciprocal.”
The lawmaker urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesome Wike, to support the governor to succeed and to move the state forward.
“Both of them should understand that, whatever position that they are holding today is on trust and prosperity will judge.
“The interest of Rivers should be more important and paramount than the interest of any individual,” he said.
In its own reaction, PANDEF, the leading socio-political organisation representing South-South geopolitical zone, in a statement by the Board and National Executive Committee, acknowledged its earlier reservations about the emergency rule but commended President Tinubu, for the bold decision to restore constitutional order. “We commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly,” the statement said.
PANDEF also congratulated Governor Fubara on his return to office, praising his steadfast perseverance and faith throughout the suspension. The forum equally saluted Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Oduah, Speaker, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were suspended along with the governor.
The statement described the emergency period as “dark days” for the people and political leaders of Rivers State, who were the true victims of the disruption. However, PANDEF affirmed that “light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come.” It called on all stakeholders to join hands and hearts, urging a collective commitment to forsake past grievances and focus on the state’s development and unity.
“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind and work towards the collective good of the state,” PANDEF insisted.
The forum expressed optimism for a swift return to normalcy and the resumption of Rivers State’s development under Governor Fubara’s leadership. It reaffirmed its unwavering support for the state’s government and people in their pursuit of progress.
The statement was signed by prominent PANDEF leaders, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amanyanobo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman Board of Trustees; Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman; and Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, OFR, National Secretary.
King Alfred Diette-Spiff emphasized, “This moment is one of healing and hope, calling on every citizen and leader to embrace unity for the prosperity of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
“The resilience demonstrated by Governor Fubara and his team is commendable. PANDEF remains committed to supporting their efforts to accelerate development and stability in Rivers State.”
