Rivers Crisis: Elders Condemn Bombing Of APP Secretariat

Some elders of Rivers State under the aegis of Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts CORSLOT )have described the recent bombing of the state Secretariat of the Allied Peoples Party (APP) in Port Harcourt as  a typical example of a looming anarchy in the State.
The elders who said this at a media conference in Port Harcourt also blamed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the lingering political crisis in the state.
The Elders also pointed accusing fingers at the Judiciary, adding that conflicting judicial pronouncements regarding matters emanating from the State which are stocking and exacerbating the crisis have remained  unaddressed by the National Judicial Council( NJC).
They said Tinubu’s silence on the crisis is giving some of the gladiators the boldness to continue to cause crisis in the State.
According to them, the bombing of the APP secretariat and a recent shooting in the GRA area of Port Harcourt have instilled fear in the minds of Rivers people and residents.
‘Very recently, there was a bomb attack on the secretariat of the Allied Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers State  in the wee hours of Monday, 12th of August, 2014.
“Even yesterday, the 13th of August 2024, there was shooting at GRA in Port Harcourt, Rivers people and residents now live in palpable fear”.
It urged President Tinubu to intervene by calling those responsible to order, adding that the activities of some of the political actors are beginning to paint the president black in the eyes of Rivers people.
“This is a clarion call by the people of Rivers State for you to wake up to your responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Rivers people and residents.
“We should not be seen as a conquered people.You are the father of the nation,we pray you to act now”, they said.
The text for the briefing which was read by the Convener, High Chief Sunnie Chukumele and jointly signed by him, OdinakaOsundu, Secretary, Mr Cotterel Timbodia , Professor Reginald Azunwene; Chief Godwin Amadi and Wing Cdr Michael Akumute ( rtd)  wondered why it is only those who are on the appointments of President Tinubu that are attacking the governor and govermrnt of Rivers State in concert with their acolytes in the former Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
According to the elders, after a careful analysis of the situation, we accuse the Presidency of selective amnesia and inaction in the happenings in Rivers State with tacit support to their colleague and FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike to achieve his aim of state capture in order to annex and control Rivers State and her resources”.
It also said Mr President seems to be more interested in an individual than more than 8 million citizens and not less than 3 million voters.
“We want the President and the people of Nigeria to know that we are happy with actions and governance activities of the Governor of Rivers State so far even in the face of distracting and disruptive actions of those who once had the golden opportunities of serving Rivers State who now have turned to political insurgents and terrorists against the State and her peoples”, it said.
The elders also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) not to treat the issues in Rivers State with levity.

John Bibor