Rivers State Government Distances Itself from Planned Protest
In a surprising turn of events, the Rivers State Government has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protest against hunger scheduled for August 1, 2024. The announcement came from members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, who expressed their concerns about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to looting and destruction of valuable properties.
The decision to distance themselves from the protest was made during a Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting in June 2024, where intense deliberations were held on measures to improve the lives of people at the grassroots level. The ALGON members also reiterated their unalloyed support and commitment to the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s key objectives, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
The ALGON members, comprising caretaker committee chairmen in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, appointed by Governor Sim Fubara, expressed their worries about the increasing involvement of police officers in the escalation of hostilities against members of the caretaker committees and peace-loving, law-abiding Rivers people. They called for more support for President Tinubu’s administration and urged for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The Rivers State Government’s decision to distance itself from the planned protest comes amidst a backdrop of political tension and unrest in the state. The crisis centers around the running of the 23 local government areas, with former chairmen insisting on their right to remain in office, citing an amended law by the embattled Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the operatives of the state Command to take over the LG secretariats to forestall more bloodshed and prevent further deterioration of security in the state. However, the move has been met with resistance from various groups, including the Rivers State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who have called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Rivers State Government’s decision to distance itself from the planned protest will impact the ongoing crisis. The government’s call for more support for President Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda may signal a new direction in the state’s political landscape.
In conclusion, the Rivers State Government’s decision to distance itself from the planned protest against hunger underscores the need for peaceful resolution and dialogue in addressing the ongoing crisis in the state. The government’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s key objectives and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda may provide a glimmer of hope for a more stable and prosperous future for the people of Rivers State.
