The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has faulted the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu without suspending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The organisation said the failure of President Tinubu to suspend the Minister will escalate the political crisis rather than mitigate it.
The Eagle Online recalls that the President, in a broadcast on Tuesday, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
He also announced the appointment of a Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the organisation noted that Wike is a member of the Federal Executive Council, which President Tinubu has said will be responsible for approving the actions of the Rivers State sole administrator.
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Hamzat argued that allowing the FCT Minister, who is a key player in the ongoing political conflict in Rivers State, to remain in office while the FEC oversees the state’s administration would create a perception of bias and undermine public trust in the Federal Government’s handling of the situation.
The statement said: “The FCT Minister’s involvement in the Rivers State crisis raises serious concerns about fairness and impartiality. For the state of emergency to be seen as a genuine effort to restore peace, the government must avoid any appearance of favouritism or conflict of interest. Suspending the FCT Minister would help create a neutral environment necessary for effective conflict resolution.”
PeacePro emphasised that the success of the state of emergency depends on the federal government’s ability to maintain neutrality and fairness.
Hamzat urged President Tinubu to demonstrate a strong commitment to peace and justice by suspending the FCT Minister and ensuring that all decisions related to Rivers State are made without undue influence.
PeacePro further called for inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict and establish a framework for sustainable peace in Rivers State.
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