The G60, a group of opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, has raised alarm over the use of dynamite by protesters in Rivers State, warning that such actions could undermine democracy if not promptly addressed.
The lawmakers expressed regret that despite police calls to suspend the protest over the local government tenure elongation crisis, some individuals defied the order.
Advertorial
This defiance resulted in the death of one person due to a dynamite explosion in front of Hotel Presidential on Aba Road.
In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the G60 described the use of explosives by protesters as an invitation to anarchy.
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the financing behind the explosives used in the protest and to determine if additional explosives have been planted elsewhere in Rivers State.
Advertorial
The G60 also called on the police to allow council workers to resume work and to focus their efforts on apprehending those carrying explosives.
“We condemn in strong terms the idea of protesters moving about with explosives, particularly supporters of a serving minister. The fact that one or two people have already died due to these devices is extremely concerning,” the statement read.
The lawmakers criticized security agencies for prioritizing the sealing of local government headquarters over addressing the more pressing issue of explosives entering the state.
“This situation is reminiscent of how Boko Haram and other security crises began in Nigeria. We cannot allow political protests to escalate into such violence. The question remains, was this explosion intended for Governor Fubara, the Government House, or the people of Rivers State? The presence of explosives is deeply troubling,” they stated.
The G60 accused certain individuals of attempting to destabilize the state and harm innocent citizens, while the police focus on actions with no legal basis.
They called on President Tinubu to ensure a thorough investigation into who financed the use of explosives and to identify any additional threats.
Advertorial
“If the government fails to act, it will be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State,” they warned.
The lawmakers also suggested that local government chairmen involved in attempts to illegally seal local government offices should be arrested, along with those advocating for a state of emergency.
