The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has urged the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara to remain committed to upholding democratic principles.
The Association advised Fubara to ensure that the local government administration is managed by democratically elected officials.
They insisted that the plan by Fubara to conduct LGA elections must not be thwarted by the previous local government chairmen, who were appointed by the former governor, Nyesom Wike.
The rights group fumed that it is both ethically and constitutionally wrong for local government officials to openly challenge the authority of the sitting governor.
Speaking via a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA urged the governor to proceed with the planned elections, saying the step is necessary to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court.
Speaking further, the group stated, “It is illegal for members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to publicly announce their defection from the PDP, under which they were elected, to the APC.
“The federal executive’s apparent support for actions that undermine democracy in Rivers State,” citing instances “where the police, under federal control, have acted unconstitutionally.
“One notable example was the police takeover of local government secretariats, preventing even appointed officials from governing.
“This action was taken before the Supreme Court’s judgment, and even though Governor Fubara’s appointments were within his constitutional powers.
“[We]urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Rivers State Police Command remains loyal to the Constitution and the properly constituted authority, which is currently Governor Fubara.
“[We]firmly believe that once a governor is democratically elected, they should be allowed to govern without interference, regardless of who facilitated their emergence.
“Fubara won the election and must be allowed to lead and develop Rivers State stably, as he has been doing.
”[We] call on all stakeholders to ensure that Rivers State is not thrown into chaos, as any destabilization of the state would have serious repercussions for the entire South-South region.
“Rivers State, being one of the wealthiest states in the region, plays a crucial role in the economic stability of the South-South, and any attempt to disrupt its governance would be tantamount to destabilizing the entire region.
