The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rivers State Chapter, has expressed strong discontent with the escalating political instability in Rivers State, calling it a setback to development and progress.

Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt, the chapter’s Chairman, Reverend Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, condemned the ongoing power plays and urged key actors to prioritise peace and stability.

He specifically cautioned politicians boasting of controlling the state’s votes, noting that their influence in the last election was minimal relative to the total voter base.

“It is important that we come to condemn this; enough is enough. Let’s stop this noise in Rivers State,” Reverend Dagogo-Jack said emphatically.

He highlighted the disparity in voter turnout, noting that those claiming dominance delivered only slightly more than 200,000 votes to a presidential candidate, while the state boasts over 3.5 million registered voters.

“If you had two hundred and something thousand votes you gave to a President and we have three point five million registered voters—not population—and you are making noise, have you asked yourself where the other ninety per cent of the voters are?” he queried.

He said the PFN will mobilise its members as it did during the 2023 elections and those who are hoping to rig elections will be resisted.

Addressing the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Rivers State PFN leader called for restraint among the parties involved.

He questioned the validity of the grounds for impeachment, suggesting hidden motives.

“What has Professor Odu done in this case? As an individual, I feel there is something more than they are telling us. If what we are hearing is true, then I think that is not strong enough for an impeachment,” he remarked.

Reverend Dagogo-Jack emphasised that while Governor Fubara is not above the law, the reasons cited for his removal appear insufficient.

“I’m not saying that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is above the law, and I’m also not saying that the state Assembly people should be intimidated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but the reasons which we are hearing are not content enough to impeach the Governor,” he added.

The cleric affirmed that the PFN in Rivers State is gearing up to rally its members ahead of the next election cycle, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the current crisis.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders to foster an environment of tranquillity to allow governance to thrive.

The Rivers State PFN Chairman added that a three-pronged approach, which includes mass voter Mobilization, checks on intending leaders, amongst others, will be employed to ensure that the mistakes which brought about the current political uncertainties are not repeated in 2027. (The Guardian)

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