The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a coalition of 1,000 civil society groups, has expressed dismay over the continued presence of police at 23 Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers state despite a court ruling nullifying the tenure elongation of the former council chairmen......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Julius Bernard, TAN described the police action as a gross violation of the rule of law, an affront to democracy, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the judiciary’s authority.
Police barricade causing loss of man-hours – TAN
Berger lamented that the police, under the guise of maintaining law and order, have become an instrument of oppression, denying workers access to their offices and causing loss of man-hours.
He noted that the state high court had nullified the amended local government law that backed the tenure elongation of the former chairmen, and the appeal court dismissed the appeals filed by Martin Amaewhule and others for lacking in merit.
Rivers crisis: TAN sends message to Tinubu, IGP
TAN called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, to immediately withdraw policemen from the council secretariats and respect the court’s judgment.
The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately call the IGP to order and direct him to withdraw policemen from the council secretariats.
“We also urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Inspector General of Police to order and direct him to immediately withdraw policemen from the council secretariats,” the statement partly read.
TAN commends Rivers govt
Meanwhile, TAN commended the Rivers state government for the swift inauguration of new caretaker chairpersons after the tenure of the last officials expired.
It also applauded Organised Labour for its bold stance in calling for the withdrawal of policemen from the council secretariats.
The group urged all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in condemning this brazen attack on democracy and the rule of law.
Fubara sends crucial message to Wike
Meanwhile, the Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sent a strongly worded message to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying he would rather resign than rule on his knees.
Fubara and Wike have been engaged in a protracted fight that has lasted months.
Nevertheless, the governor noted that he would not make any decision jeopardising the state’s progress while being loyal to anyone.