By Kevin Pepple
The umbrella body of Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, GODO, has decried police disposition in the management of the political crisis rocking Rivers State, alleging bias and side taking on the part of the officers of the state police command and threatening to drag the Inspector General of Police, IGP before the International Criminal Court,ICC, should the trend continue.
Chairman of GODO, Chief Ambrose Kii made the plans public in a statement it circulated to the media on Sunday.
The body cited excessive use of force and violence, particularly against Rivers people and disrespect for the governor of Rivers State,Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who is the Chief Security Officer of the State.
Chief Kii alleges the IG’s poor handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State calls for his immediate resignation.
The Ogoni born diaspora leader expressed dismay over the IG’s alleged inaction and bias in addressing the crisis, which has plagued the state for months, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement of residents.
“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. The IG’s actions have undermined the confidence of the people in the security agencies.”
Kii also criticized the judiciary for issuing conflicting judgments and orders, alleging they were carrying out the bidding of certain individuals in government. “The judiciary, once the last hope of the people, has become compromised,” Kii lamented.
Continuing, he said, “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.”
Furthermore, Kii took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing them of being unable to act independently. “INEC has become a tool for selfish and self-centered politicians to manipulate the electoral process.
“Their inability to stand firm against external pressures undermines the democratic process. INEC must assert its independence and ensure free and fair election,” Kii stressed.
The GODO leader expressed disappointment in the President’s handling of the crisis, urging him to intervene promptly. “As the father of the nation, the President should call for a permanent solution to the crisis,” Kii emphasized, adding that “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.”
GODO called on the international community to intervene and support peaceful resolution and for the civil society organizations to join forces in demanding justice and peace as well as for the well-meaning Nigerians to stand up against political violence.
Additionally, he noted that the security agencies must remain impartial and protect citizens. “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 GODO leader emphasized.
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