MILITARIZATION OF RIVERS STATE
Everyday the government of the day in Nigeria. speaks openly about the unity of the country. They "preach" ceaselessly about the need for citizens to defend and do everything possible to uplift the nation.
Much is also heard of their commitment to ensuring there is no disruption in the protection of lives and property. Ironically, the Nigerian government seems to have difficulties in adhering to simple components of democracy such as allowing citizens the rights to freedom of speech, voting the candidates of their choice.
To further butress the obvious issues faced by citizens in Nigeria, Dr. E.J has this to say: "I wake up every morning to discover that my government keeps deceiving itself. They try so hard to establish themselves in power but end up destroying the unity of this country. They budgeted billions of naira from tax payers money to aid in conducting a free and fair election, the hallmark of a true democracy but we saw gross incompetence when the Independent National Electoral Commission, #INEC shifted the electrons from the 16th of February, 2019 to the 23rd of February for reasons still unknown to Nigerians. We accepted the postponement and went ahead to troop out in our numbers to vote but we were disenfranchised without mercy. From Rivers to Imo, Kano to Yobe, Lagos to Ekiti everyone was so much interested in voting out a government that is not interested in the plight of the average Nigerian but are only overwhelmed by staying in power to enrich themselves and their cronies.
They disenfranchised us with the help of their foot soldiers who are also Nigerians. Sadly, the same military that pledged to protect lives and property as well as our territorial integrity is now busy killing those they are supposed to protect.
This was so evident in Kaduna and Rivers states of Nigeria. They stole the mandate of the average Nigerian on the 23rd of February but I strongly believe posterity must surely judge them and the truth will come to bare. It is really unfortunate that they have come again with the same military presence to steal our mandate in the Rivers State gubernatorial elections. What baffles me is that in a nation where 98 percent of the states are conducting elections, why should a State be given more than 15,000 police officers and more than 2,000 military officers? Are we fighting a civil war in the state?
The pertinent question remains, "WHY Rivers State?" Why is the All Progressive Congress, APC interested in taking over this state? How many soldiers and police officers were drafted to Borno and other North Eastern states, the insurgence- stricken zones?
We preach one Nigeria but I know and believe that we are not actually one Nigeria. Without doubts, innocent souls would be wasted during the governorship election just because of power greed. I hereby call on the international community and all those concerned to take note because this APC government led by General Muhammadu Buhari wants to destroy the unity of this great nation, #Nigeria."
Amnesty International SERAP Human Rights Watch HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER Active Citizens United Nations AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT AND A VIOLENCE FREE WORLD NETWORK (ADVFWN ).
