KEY POINTS

• The IHRC calls for peace and unity during Rivers’ state of emergency.
• Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas is urged to prioritize peace-building efforts.
• President Tinubu’s state of emergency seeks to stabilize governance.

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has called on Rivers State political leaders to set aside personal conflicts and work together in the interest of peace during the state of emergency.

IHRC calls for peace and unity

The commission stressed that the future of democratic governance and sustainable development depends on fostering a political environment that prioritizes unity, especially during challenging times.

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, expressed concern over the suspension of key elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.

This suspension, Hezekiah noted, has paralyzed governance and threatens essential sectors like education, healthcare, and social welfare.

“We are in a period of uncertainty, and the political environment must be free from the concept of winners and losers,” Hezekiah said.

He emphasized that peace must take precedence over political ambition and noted that socioeconomic growth and political stability can only be achieved when leaders collaborate for the greater good.

“This promotes social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability, leading to a more secure world,” he added.

Call for action from Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas

The IHRC requested that Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) emphasize peace-filled and human rights-focused initiatives in his role as the new Rivers State Sole Administrator.

Human development will improve and communities can live free from violence or conflict owing to these vital initiatives, as stated by the IHRC.

“We call for an end to zero-sum politics and a focus on constitutional supremacy,” said the commission.

According to Vanguard, they reaffirmed the importance of unity and peaceful resolutions, asserting that these are the bedrock of national progress.

The state of emergency and its implications

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared an emergency state on March 18 because of the extended political turmoil in the state.

This emergency measure functions to stabilize the situation while safeguarding essential national properties including oil and gas facilities but it has intensified the existing tensions.

Political instability creates increasing worry about its negative effects on essential industries.

The IHRC’s statement underscores the need for collective action in addressing the issues at hand and ensuring that governance is restored in a way that benefits all citizens of Rivers State.