The President of the Opobo Youths Forum (OYF), Mr. Moses William-Pepple expressed dissatisfaction with the suspension of Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Ordu as well as members of the state House of Assembly following the declaration of state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to the sad development in his office at Opobo Town on Sunday, William-Pepple said his sentiments resonate not only with the youth of Opobo Kingdom but also reflect a broader concern among the youth across the state.
“We’re not happy with the way the suspension came. It was unwarranted to just suspend a democratically elected governor,” William-Pepple stated during an interview.
He emphasized the importance of democratic processes, referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the conditions necessary for declaring a state of emergency.
“Up until the time the President announced the state of emergency, Rivers State was still peaceful,” he noted.
William-Pepple articulated a collective worry for the governor’s safety, referring to him as a brother and a son to the people of the state.
“This is a governor that is liked by everybody,” he remarked, stressing the need for Rivers people to ensure his protection during these tumultuous times.
The OYF leader urged the youth to remain vigilant and not to be swayed by political maneuverings. “The youths should not allow politicians to use them. They should stand their ground and demand what is right,” he advised, calling for unity and peaceful advocacy for democratic values.
