A coalition of rights groups under the aegis of Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) has condemned recent developments in Rivers State “which tend to escalate political crises in the state and threaten political stability towards 2015 general election.”

HRAN in a statement issued this morning in Lagos called on the Federal Government “to take urgent steps to stop what would become a major political set-back to democracy in this country.” The coalition, in particular, condemned “the attitude of the Police Command in Rivers State, whose actions support a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

According to HRAN in the statement signed by its Steering Committee Chairman, Chino Obiagwu, and made available to News Express, “Following the ruling of the court aborting the legislative role of the National Assembly over Rivers State, the police prevented the majority faction from gaining access to the House of Assembly premises, but are ready to allow the minority faction to do so. The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mbu, has continued to demonstrate his political interest in the crises in the state, a conduct that contradicts his role as head of the police force in the state.

“HRAN is aware that the decision of the court in this matter has been appealed against and therefore all the parties must maintain the status quo ante until the matter is finally determined by the appeal courts. The Federal Government must not allow a few individuals to take laws into their hands, and to cause mayhem in already volatile political situation in the country.

“The judiciary should not allow itself to be unnecessarily dragged into political disputes, and must not act in a manner that undermines its integrity and independence. The principle of separation of powers allows each arm of government to operate with relative independence, and the role of the judiciary should be one of an unbiased umpire where there is dispute or interpretation of the law is required. The courts must refrain from interfering into legislative disputes except for clear interpretation and application of the laws. To issue decisions that would truncate the fragile political situation in River State, as was the case in the recent decision of the high court stopping the National Assembly exercising legislative functions over Rivers State could be misinterpreted as a political decision in favour of one faction of the House of Assembly.”

Commenting on some other recent political developments in the country, HRAN welcomed the emergence of the reinvigorated All Progressive Congress (APC). “A strong opposition party will give Nigerians stronger assurance of good governance and broader political and electoral options,” it said, adding: “HRAN calls on the ruling party to refrain from use of intimidation or unlawful means to suppress political opposition. The apprehension within the political society that the Federal Government is working to initiate impeachment of the G-5 Governors who joined APC, must be condemned. Such over-bearing political strategy would only result in increased political crises and undermine the 2015 general elections.”

HRAN went ahead to demand as follows:

a. Immediate redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mbu for his deep involvement in the political crises in the state;

b. Refraining the police and other security agencies from taking sides in the political situation in Rivers State;

c. All factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly should maintain the status quo ante until the matter is determined in the appeal court. In order not to allow for a vacuum in law making functions in the state, the National Assembly should continue to exercise legislative duties for the state until the matter is finally decided by the courts;

d. Federal government should refrain from attacking or intimidating political opposition, or to attempt to initiative or sponsor impeachment of the G-5 governors because such move will be counter-productive;

e. Calls on all side of the political crises in Rivers State to exercise restraint so as not to allow any situation that could undermine peace and development in the state.

•Photo shows River State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.