FORMER PRESIDENTIAL DEFENDANT DEMANDS PEACE IN RIVERS STATE UPON IMPEACHMENT

Babatunji Wusu –

In the middle of efforts to remove Siminalayi Fubara as the state governor, Tein Jack-Rich, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has urged for calm in Rivers State.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Jack-Rich urged the state’s political elite to put down their swords and make sure the issue doesn’t get out of control.

Sunday saw suspected political thugs set fire to the assembly complex.

Lawmakers threatened to begin the impeachment process of Governor Fubara and House Leader Edison Ehie, and set the assembly on fire.

“In the early hours of October 30, 2023, I received multiple calls and reports of an immense attack and the desecration of Rivers State House of Assembly, being the beacon of democracy,” stated Jack-Rich in a statement discussing the political turmoil.

“It is critical to realize that, regardless of class, upholding the temple of our democracy is a sacred commitment we all took as political actors.

Therefore, any inclination to overthrow the government or attack it is a sign of political weakness rather than a concern for anyone’s safety.

“We cannot afford to sacrifice the democratic process’ tranquility on the altar of our concern for authoritarianism or dictatorship.

“I want peace and the ability for Rivers State to participate in President Bola Tinubu’s federal administration so that it can benefit from its economic master plan.”