Goodluck Laying Foundation For State Of Emergency In Rivers..APC Govs

Eleven governors in opposition political parties have condemned the crisis in Rivers State, describing it as a ploy by the Federal Government to declare emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

The 11 opposition governors, who are members of the Action Congress of Nigeria, All Nigeria Peoples Party, Congress for Progressive Change and All Progressives Grand Alliance , said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, that what was happening in Rivers State,  was  an assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

Their statement, which was made available to journalists,  reads in part, “Events in Rivers State resulting in the shameful occupation of the State Government House by members of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 are a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

“These developments are not only worrisome but outright condemnable as an affront to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Progressive Governors’ Forum unequivocally condemns the ill-disguised attempt to create a state of emergency in Rivers State by plunging the state into a needless and avoidable crisis.

“All available evidences surrounding the events of Tuesday and Wednesday  indicated that the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr.  Mbu, and his men did not act in a professional manner.

“Before now, the   Police Commissioner had exhibited very clear bias against the Governor (Amaechi) and other state officials. This is a dangerous development that would only produce anarchy with unpredictable consequences.”

They added that events  of July 9 and 10 in the state represented  “acts sponsored by anarchists,” whose interest   included subverting democracy and exposing the lives of democratically elected representatives to great danger.

According to them, “The constitutional responsibility of the State House of Assembly is being impeded and in the circumstance the House of Representatives has voted to take over the functions of the state   Assembly as provided under Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

“It is very clear to all discerning Nigerians that the crisis in Rivers State is a product of intolerance and highhanded attempts to undermine our rights  as  governors acting under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to freely choose our leaders.”