Renowned elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has written an open letter to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
News About Nigeria reports that Egbetokun has been urged to intervene promptly in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State.
Clark’s appeal comes amidst fears of imminent danger and anarchy stemming from the impeachment threat on Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly, allegedly loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Addressing journalists at his Asokoro residence in Abuja on Tuesday, Clark emphasised the need for swift action to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control and destabilising the entire country.
He stressed that the IGP must step in to prevent anarchy in Rivers State by stopping the members of the House of Assembly from parading themselves as lawmakers.
Citing Section 109 (1g) 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Clark pointed out that the 27 lawmakers ceased to be members of the Rivers State Assembly following their announced decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He urged the IGP to call to order the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from issuing provocative statements and parading themselves as lawmakers, which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Clark, a senator of the 2nd Republic, expressed concerns over the situation, noting that it poses a significant threat to the peace, stability, and unity of the country.
He warned that the recent unprovoked announcement by the Speaker and 26 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly might cause a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State, with far-reaching consequences for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Clark also expressed disappointment that the said members are carrying out their illegal activities under the cover of policemen in uniform, which he described as disturbing and a threat to the rule of law.
He appealed to the IGP to use his office to advise President Bola Tinubu and other members of the National Security Council to bring the crisis to an end and spare Nigeria from international ridicule.
In his letter, Clark wrote, “I have decided to address this letter to you as a senior citizen and elder statesman… It is therefore my duty to pray to the almighty God at all times for the peace and stability of our great country… We must condemn and prevent any action by any individual or group of individuals that would threaten the peace, stability, and unity of this country.”
He warned, “The recent unprovoked announcement by the Speaker and 26 former Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly might cause a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State and the consequences of such crisis will not only affect Rivers State politically, socially, and economically but will also affect the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.”
