The organization also appealed to the international community and civil society groups to intervene and support a peaceful resolution to the Rivers crisis.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation (GODO) has called for the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over his handling of the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by the President of GODO, Chief Ambrose Kii, and made available to newsmen, the group criticized the IGP’s perceived partisanship and failure to maintain law and order in the state. Chief Kii warned that the group would consider taking the matter to the International Criminal Court if the police continued to act in a manner they deem biased and unprofessional.
“The Inspector General of Police has failed in his duty to maintain law and order in Rivers State. His partisanship and inability to act decisively have exacerbated the situation, and we demand his resignation,” Chief Kii said.
He alleged that the police’s excessive use of force and bias against the people of Rivers State, particularly in relation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has escalated the crisis. According to Kii, Governor Fubara, as the state’s chief security officer, has been undermined by the IGP’s actions.
GODO further criticized the judiciary for issuing conflicting judgments and orders, which they claim have further fueled the Rivers crisis. The group accused the judiciary of becoming compromised and acting in the interest of certain individuals within the government.
“The judiciary, once the last hope of the people, has become compromised. Instead of upholding justice, they are issuing orders that fuel the crisis, without considering the merit or demerit of each case. This erosion of trust in the judiciary is alarming,” Kii stated.
Chief Kii also called out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to assert its independence in the face of external pressures, which he said has undermined the democratic process. He urged INEC to ensure that future elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
“INEC has become a tool for selfish and self-centered politicians to manipulate the electoral process. Its inability to stand firm against external pressures undermines the democratic process,” he said.
The GODO President expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the situation, accusing the President of remaining silent while violence and instability persist in the state. He urged President Tinubu to intervene promptly and direct his loyalists to respect the office of the Rivers State Governor.
“As the father of the nation, the President should call for a permanent solution to the crisis. Instead of allowing his loyalists to use state instruments to perpetuate violence, he should order them to respect the office of the governor. The President’s silence is deafening, and his inaction is perpetuating the crisis,” Kii added.
The organization also appealed to the international community and civil society groups to intervene and support a peaceful resolution to the Rivers crisis. GODO emphasized the need for security agencies to remain impartial and to prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
“We will not stand idly by while our state is torn apart by politics and violence. We demand accountability, justice, and peace. The people of Rivers State deserve better,” the statement concluded.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been marked by months of violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property, raising concerns over the stability and security of the region.
Join our Channel...