The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has criticised the reconciliation meeting on the political crisis in Rivers State, describing the process as an attempt to resolve the crisis without addressing what it called the constitutional mandate of the state governor.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group said it was disappointed by the meeting led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
The SSYI questioned the nature of a reconciliation process that, according to the group, does not seek to restore what it described as democratic order in the state.
It asked: “What manner of reconciliation is that which does not restore democratic order? What manner of peace meeting is that which rewards the aggressor and punishes the mandate of the people?”
The group also recalled Wike’s eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers State, arguing that despite criticisms of his administration, he was allowed to complete his two terms in office.
“Why then is the same man who enjoyed the grace of completing his two tenures now leading a plot to deny another Rivers son the right to enjoy his own constitutional tenure?” the statement asked.
The SSYI described the situation as a dangerous precedent for democratic governance, insisting that Rivers State belonged to its people and that political mandates should be determined through the ballot.
The group called on the President, leadership of the National Assembly and other stakeholders to examine the reconciliation process and ensure that the constitutional rights of Rivers voters are protected.
It said it supported the Constitution and the mandate of Rivers people, adding that lasting peace in the state could only be achieved through what it described as justice rather than imposed reconciliation.
“Rivers State must be allowed to be governed in peace,” the group stated.
