APC asks FG to declare state of emergency in Rivers state

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Rivers has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the state.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Tony Okocha, chairman of the party’s caretaker committee in Rivers, stated that Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the state’s security agencies are “helpless” in managing the situation.

Okocha emphasized the urgency for federal intervention in Rivers due to former LGA chairmen attempting to retain their positions unlawfully.

“The governor is helpless; the police are helpless,” Okocha said.

“Therefore, the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in the state to address the chaos and unrest.”

“I urge the federal government to take swift action.”

On Tuesday, Fubara directed local government administration heads to take control of the 23 council areas after the chairmen’s terms expired.

However, some former LGA chairmen attempted to reclaim their offices, leading to confrontations with youths who forced them out.

This incident escalated political tensions in Rivers, with residents protesting at several LGA secretariats.

Police officers fired shots into the air to disperse the protesters at the various LGA headquarters.

The governor has since appointed caretaker committee chairs for the LGAs.