The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has strongly condemned widespread shooting, killings, maiming and destruction of properties across Rivers State in the aftermath of local council polls held over the weekend.
In a statement signed by the President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, the organisation expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property.
The statement reads in part:
While we convey our deep condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, our sympathy equally goes to those who suffered losses and injuries in various degrees.
MOSOP Urges Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the issue of Rivers State as a matter of priority to ensure mutual respect and decent conduct in the midst of political differences.
We condemn the wanton and unjustifiable destruction of lives and property and the seemingly endless disruption of normal lives of citizens by a political divide which have legal and civilised procedures to address.
MOSOP will further note that the degeneracy in the political differences in Rivers State is doing no one any good and could only escalate into a national embarrassment in the eyes of the international community.
It is absurd to find the shocking amount of illegal arms in the possession of followers and loyalists of political groups and leaders and, very disturbing, how these public conduct could affect global perception of potential investors.
MOSOP Calls for a review of the legal framework to address the issues of transparency, independence of election umpires and the judicial system to protect elections from political interference as we have seen in several local and national elections.
While we warn and call on the government to ensure respect for constitutional order in Rivers State and in Nigeria as a whole, we urge the residents of Rivers State, in particular, to remain calm and give peace a chance.
MOSOP calls on the security agencies to take measures to restore order and urge citizens to give the law enforcement agencies the needed cooperation for peace to prevail.
