By Adeyemi Adekunle
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has expressed strong outrage over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the Nigerian President, calling the move an egregious violation of democratic principles. The declaration, which suspends two governmental arms and appoints a military sole administrator, has sparked widespread concern regarding the erosion of civil liberties in the region.
Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, articulated the foundation’s position, labeling the president’s statement as “disturbing, one-sided, and unconvincing.”
Bassey criticized the declaration as an exacerbation of the existing crisis and warned that the return of military rule to any part of the Niger Delta represents a shocking betrayal of the people’s trust.
“The Niger Delta region bears a painful history of militarization and oppression,” Bassey stated, highlighting the traumatic experiences of local communities who have endured decades of military presence marked by violence and environmental degradation.
The suspension of democratic governance is perceived as a deepening of this legacy, unsettling residents already weary from years of turmoil.
The declaration has ignited debates about the possible implications for governance and civil rights in Rivers State, raising fears of a renewed cycle of military involvement in local affairs.
Activists and community leaders alike are calling for a restoration of democratic processes and a respect for the voice of the people, underscoring the need for dialogue and peaceful resolutions rather than military interventions.
There is an anticipation for a resolution that honors the rights and dignity of the people of Rivers State. HOMEF maintains its stance against what it describes as a threat to democracy, urging the federal government to reconsider its approach and prioritize the will of the people.
