The Democracy Watch Network, DWN, has faulted Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for deploying thugs to forcibly remove 23 local government chairmen in the state from office, following the expiration of their tenure.
The group described the move as a brazen assault on democracy, which it said resulted in tragic loss of lives and a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.
Recall that some youths loyal to the governor on Tuesday stormed some local government headquarters to evict elected LG officials and destroy government properties after Fubara’s address.
In a statement signed by Mr Godfrey Titus, the Democracy Watch Network said Fubara’s behaviour was unacceptable as it set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria.
The DWN claimed that the incident was an indication of Fubara’s violent disposition, as well as a reminder of his “disregard for democratic principles”.
The Democracy Watch Network urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government and relevant authorities to take swift action and ensure the restoration of peace and order in Rivers State until the court rules on the matter.
“The Democracy Watch Network (DWN) vehemently condemns the action of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who deployed thugs to forcibly remove Local Government Chairmen from office mere hours after their tenure expired.
“This brazen assault on democracy has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. Governor Fubara’s actions are a gross violation of the rule of law and a blatant disregard for the democratic process.
“The case for tenure elongation for the chairmen is still pending in court, and yet, the governor chose to take the law into his own hands, employing thugs to intimidate and harass elected officials.
“This behavior is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. Governor Fubara has a history of violence and tends to go to any length to prove a point to his perceived political opponents. This latest incident is a stark reminder of his disregard for human life and democratic principles.
“The DWN calls on Governor Fubara to immediately reverse his decision, respect the legal process, and allow the chairmen to remain in office until the court reaches a decision.
“We urge the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take swift action to address this situation, ensure the restoration of peace and order in Rivers State, and hold Governor Fubara accountable for his anti-democratic actions.
“The DWN stands in solidarity with the people of Rivers State and the affected Local Government Chairmen, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the upholding of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria,” the statement said.