Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
…As Group Calls For Peace
By Maureen Dick and Eric Moore
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has described the Supreme Court judgements on the political crises in Rivers State as not only a Black Friday in Nigeria’s nascent democracy, but unfortunately, a declaration of war against Rivers State and death of judiciary in the country.
This is even as the Rivers Peace Initiative has called for peace and unity in the state, following the apex court’s verdicts that halted federal allocations to the state, recognized Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as authentic and quashed the 2024 local government areas’ election on Friday.
Obinna Ebogidi
Eze faulted the Supreme Court for ruling that the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly should resume sitting after all the facts of the lawmakers decamping to APC.
He said: “For the Supreme Court to ignore these facts and support the illegality of asking Amaewhule to continue sitting is not only unfortunate, wicked, evil, sad, undemocratic, but a declaration of war against the people of Rivers State and democracy in Nigeria.”
The APC stalwart, an ally of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, said Nigerians should not think that “this sad stand against Rivers State is against Governor Sim Fubara, but against our democracy. So, Nigerians should arise and defend our democracy.”
According to him, for the Supreme Court to order the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop forthwith the release of funds due to the State by the Federal Government simply exposed plots to serve a particular politician, “but ensure that the State that lays the golden egg for the development and emancipation of Nigeria is out of existence.
“The next few days will be very interesting to see how these plots aimed at removing the governor will play out.
“No matter whatever may be the outcome, Sim Fubara has fought a good fight by exposing how one man wants to stifle the development of the state and pocket the common patrimony of the state into his pocket.”
However, he commended Fubara for being a man by surviving the onslaught by antidemocratic forces in Nigeria all these while.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has declared that the apex court’s verdicts have brought the state to a crossroad.
Convener of the group, Obinna Ebogidi, said regardless of different political affiliations or opinions on the ruling, it is clear that the moment affects the residents.
He stated: “It’s a time of great challenge and uncertainty for Rivers State, and if we are not careful, it could deepen the divisions that already threaten to tear us apart.
“But, now is not the time for further conflict. Rivers State is bigger than any individual or group. It is a state built on the labour and sacrifices of countless people over generations.
“It is a place where we all live, where our families grow, where our children dream, and where we must come together to secure a future of peace, prosperity, and unity.”
Speaking further, the convener noted: “The truth is, we have a choice before us: we can choose to escalate the crisis, to let politics continue to divide us, or we can choose a path of reconciliation and cooperation.
“But let me be clear – Rivers State will not survive if we allow our political differences to destroy it. It is not just about political power and relevance; it is about the future of this state and the lives of our people.
“The people of Rivers State who survive daily on their honest wages and income from their businesses are tired. They are tired of instability. They are tired of division. What they want is simple – peace, progress, and a future free from fear. They want to see a state that works for them, not a state consumed by endless political battles.
Ebogidi further admonished: “To the political leaders, regardless of where you stand, we remind you again that now is the time to put the people first. Your actions today will decide whether we build a better tomorrow or continue to spiral into chaos.
“If you truly care about this state and its people, it is time to set aside your differences and come together. Rivers State deserves leadership that puts unity, peace, and progress above personal gain.
On the security of the state, he advised: “To our security forces, we are counting on you to protect the peace. Your responsibility is to ensure that our communities remain safe and that the people of Rivers State can live without fear. Stay vigilant, stay strong, and do everything in your power to keep the peace.
He advised youths of Rivers State: “You are the future of this state. Do not let anyone use you for their own purposes. Do not let the anger of politics pull you into violence. You are the strength of Rivers, and your courage and wisdom can lead us through this. Stand for peace. Stand for unity. Stand for the future of our state.
“Let this moment not define us by conflict. Let it define us by our unity, our commitment to peace, and our resolve to create a better future. Rivers State belongs to all of us; let’s protect it, let’s rebuild it, and let’s move forward together.”