A group in the Niger Delta, the ‘Best Progressives Forum’ has condemned the alleged tear gassing and harassment of peaceful protesters in Rivers State by men of the Nigerian Police Force.

This was as the group also called for the reinstatement of the suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly who were suspended by President Bola Tinubu through the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.

The forum was reacting to the assault and alleged firing of teargas by policemen against some protesters who were calling for an end to the emergency rule in the state.

The group said it believes in the principles of good governance, justice, fairness and equity, describing the President’s actions as undemocratic and uncivilized.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s National Leader, Bestman Nnadi and it’s

Director of Publicity, Abadi Silas shortly after its second-quarter Leadership Roundtable Meeting, 2025 held in Port Harcourt and made available to our correspondent.

The statement partly reads, “There are laid down democratic institutions in operation within the ambit of the law, capable of resolving political disputes as it were in the case of Rivers State and elsewhere, rather than an unlawful proclamation of the state of emergency and the suspension of democratically elected executive and legislative arms of government in the state.”

The forum pointed out that the law is very clear in the instance of removing an elected governor of a state, which must be through impeachment, death/incapacitation or resignation.

It added, “The Rivers State scenario can be likened to a rape of our democracy in a bid to foster certain narrow interests not in tandem with the interest of the generality of the people of Rivers State.

“A vote of confidence was equally passed on the administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. This is because his administration has within the shortest possible period improved upon workers’ welfare, infrastructural development, economic empowerment and inclusion of the youth in government as well as maintaining law and order in the state.”

The group therefore called on President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency reverse the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State and allow the democratically elected government officials to dispense governance by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

It said this will enable Rivers people and residents to access the dividends of democracy.

It also commended the former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, on what it termed his boldness, courage and fearless reaction to the Rivers political crisis, noting that the former Transport Minister is and remains a blessing to Rivers people.



https://punchng.com/police-under-fire-for-alleged-harassment-of-pro-fubara-protesters/