Rivers crisis: Protesting youths hired to cause violence, says coalition

The Coalition of Rivers State Professionals alleged that youths are being paid to stage protests, instigating violence amidst the ongoing local government council chairmen tenure elongation crisis in the state.

The Director-General for the group, Architect Ipalibo West, made this statement during a press conference on Tuesday, in Port Harcourt.

West said, “The crowds you see on the streets today in Port Harcourt are hired crowds. They are not youths interested in the development of this state. No right-thinking person or youth would protest during Governor Fubara’s administration, which has set a pace in good governance in this country.”

He further said, “What’s happening on the streets of Port Harcourt today is like playing the ostrich game. Politicians sponsoring anarchy are not interested in the state’s development. They aim to provoke a reaction, leading to a state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. But I assure you, we are far from that, and by God’s grace, it will never happen.”

West, however, gave a nod of approval to the police presence at the council, stating it is in the state’s interest.

“If not for the police occupying the local government councils, you can imagine the chaos with these paid youths demonstrating against a peaceful and development-oriented government,” he said.

Speaking further, he maintained that the governor’s institution of the CTC is appropriate, as there’s no room for vacancy in governance.

The coalition therefore dissociated itself from anyone undermining civil governance and pledged unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

West declared, “The Coalition of Rivers State Professionals (CORPS) expresses our total commitment to good governance and solidarity with Governor Fubara as he marks his first year in office.”