The leadership of South-South Physically Challenged Indigenes (SSPCI), has urged President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly and Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to speedy the reconciliation process for the return of a democratic order in the state.
The group, which represents persons with disabilities (PWD), made the call when it addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, on the political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Tinubu recently.
In a statement signed by the Executive Chairman and Director Administration of the state chapter of SSPCI, Mr. Altraide Itekena and Franklin Chukwuma Izidor respectively, the group urged the president ensure the emergency rule did not exceed the six months duration.
The group noted that before the declaration of the state of emergency, governance was grounded with tensed political environment which brought hardship and fear to the residents.
The statement read: “In light of the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we find ourselves akin to the stone that the builder rejected. We are determined to utilize our collective strength and resilience to aid in the healing and recovery of our dear State, which has faced significant political and constitutional challenges.
“Prior to the declaration of the State of Emergency, Rivers State experienced intense political tension and instability under the nascent administration of His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara. This turmoil stemmed from perceived constitutional gaps, intended impeachment and struggles for supremacy over political power and State’s resources.
“The resulting political confrontation did not only destabilize the governance of our dear State, but also adversely affected our community of PWD, often without recognition from key stakeholders. The fear of the unknown has left us agitated and concerned for our future.
“The political divide has permeated traditional, religious, and political spheres, with factions resorting to legal actions and unethical tactics to assert their relevance, often at the expense of their integrity. This has led to the expenditure of vast resources, culminating in Rivers State becoming the only State in Nigeria under Emergency Rule!
“We are morally pained, emotionally distressed, and our vision for the future is beclouded by these selfish developments. No faction considered the impact of their actions on our community of PWD, especially as our dear State teetered on the brink of anomie before the intervention of President Tinubu and the National Assembly.”
The group decried the unfair treatment meted out to them by successive governments not considering their skills and educational contributions to the growth of the state.
“We observe that our able-bodied counterparts, who often violate laws, are frequently pardoned and rewarded, while we continue to be marginalized.
“In light of these circumstances, we hereby present our positions, we acknowledge President Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency, and the suspension of the Legislature and Executive in Rivers State, provided it does not exceed the stipulated six-month period.”
The group unanimously resolve “to work and support the appointment of Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, in achieving presidential mandate as well as foster peace, harmonious and constitutional relations between the worrying arms of government in Rivers State.
“As a Community, we believe in the capabilities of the Sole Administrator Ibas given his proven track records of excellence in leadership and development. We further support all appointments made by him as they target effective governance during the declared emergency rule.
“We urge Sole Administrator Ibas to ensure that he maintains unbiased in his responsibility. And that PWD are included in his protem administration, and are recognized as special beneficiaries.”
However, the group has called on President Tinubu to undertake a genuine overhaul of the Nigerian judicial system to meet public expectations.
It also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to fulfill its role as a vigilant watchdog of the judicial system and governance..
According to the group, the political issues in Rivers State could have been mitigated if the NBA had been proactive rather than “focused solely on revenue generation and ill-aggrandizement.”
Meanwhile, the group said it would establish a five-member PWD committee to facilitate reconciliation between major political actors in the crisis.
“This committee will also engage with Sole Administrator Ibas, the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and President Tinubu to advocate against the extension of the emergency rule in our dear State.