The secret to lasting peace in Rivers State
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State, appearing in the rift between the former and current governors, all parties in the conflict have expressed their hope that the peace thus brokered will be It is important to avoid confusion again. After the president’s intervention, there were reports suggesting that all is not yet well. But by now the gladiators should have chosen important lessons that will guide their future. The business of governance must continue for the benefit of the people, especially after the deadly heatwave that occurred in the aftermath of the gubernatorial election in March this year.
Signs of deep rifts in the government have become evident after the split in parliament, with a faction of parliamentarians planning to impeach Governor Siminalai Hubala. This is unfortunate because this showdown is a headwind that cannot have a positive impact on the state and should not be allowed to fester or repeat. The likely outcome will be that river governance will be compromised, development will be hampered, and the state’s ordinary citizens will bear the brunt.
Additionally, feuds between the executive and legislative branches of government may undermine cordial relations between the state’s various ethnic groups, which are divided into riverine and upland communities. That is why parties facing a crisis should reconsider, bury their egos, put their swords back in their sheaths, show political maturity and resolve their differences amicably.
It was a good thing that Mr. Tinubu intervened in the alleged Cold War-induced conflict between Governor Hubala and Nyesom Wike, a former governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the state is now is peaceful. The crisis erupted on October 30, when anti-Hubala members of the House of Representatives, numbering 24 out of 32, hastily removed Majority Leader Edinson Ehie, who is seen as the governor’s main supporter. Immediately after that, in a situation that could be described as a counter-coup, Ehie was announced as the new speaker at a plenary session held at the government building by Tomihara’s supporters in the parliament.
Earlier, on Sunday, October 29, the House of Representatives was reportedly bombed by suspected political thugs who reportedly learned of the plan to impeach the governor after only about five months in office and decided to stop the move. ing.
Undaunted by the bombing, 24 anti-Hubala MPs led by Speaker Martin Amaefure gained access to Parliament House on Monday, October 30th, gathered in a room adjacent to the chamber that was unaffected by the bombing, and read books. A meeting was held. They removed Mr. Ehie and suspended four other members of Congress whom they accused of masterminding the bomb explosion. Accusations and counterclaims by interested parties had an impact while the feud lasted.
The Rivers incident and similar incidents across the country only highlight the immaturity of the country’s political leaders, regardless of their level of education or exposure. The frequent occurrence of wars between incumbent governors and their predecessors, deputies or local government chairmen means that most of those in the corridors of power regularly recycle themselves under dubious elections. It shows that they lack the character to hold the position they are placed in. They pose a danger to democracy.
Leadership is fundamentally about transforming people’s lives and developing societies that ensure a better future for everyone, including generations to come. Development can only occur in an atmosphere of peace, mutual understanding and unity. At different times and places, various shameful dramas, usually involving the governor and his lieutenants, predecessors, or local authorities, have come to light, during which greed, lack of character, and patriotism have become discouraging. It was advertised.
Differences of opinion are not uncommon in politics, but political actors should compete for ideas, strategies, and visions on how best to serve the interests of democracy, not for selfish or greedy reasons, and for the smooth running of government. should not be prevented.
The executive and legislative arms of the Rivers Government should recognize the vital importance of maintaining peace and cooperating for the development of the state at all times. Removing a governor when good cause does not yet appear to exist could create chaos and slow the state’s progress.
It is in the interest of all Rivers residents that the government runs smoothly and the collective aspiration of a better state is achieved. Police must recognize the constitutional fact that their loyalty is to the national interest, not to the interests of any individual or group. They must enforce the law and keep the peace. Security personnel must always demonstrate neutrality when dealing with any crisis.
If they are perceived as biased, they can exacerbate the crisis and lead to avoidable tragedies. The adage that if the walls of a building collapse, but the roof remains, applies here as well. If the police, who are constitutionally responsible for maintaining law and order, allow themselves to be used to incite or exacerbate a crisis, not only civilians but also the officers themselves, their families, and their property will be harmed. You will be exposed to great danger. In the interest of peace and security, the neutrality of security personnel should be evident at all times.
Rivers people should react honestly and insightfully to situations, uphold peaceful governance and avoid any actions that may cause distraction. Because in the end they are the losers. Parliament must save democracy without constantly allowing itself to be used to commit undemocratic acts and cause gridlock. Impeachment should not always be resolved for every disagreement between the executive and legislative branches of government, and because the legislative branches of government deliver democratic dividends to those who elected them to office. We should work together to address these issues. If the interests of the people are paramount at heart, then petty disagreements that disrupt the administration of government should not be tolerated.
Concerns are growing in some states across the country as current and former governors are at odds over power, account balances, how state finances are handled and who should receive what. Leaders should demonstrate maturity by relinquishing power once they leave office. If they do not, they pose a serious threat to democracy and development.
Source: guardian.ng