The South-South Youths Initiatives emphasized the importance of public service over party politics in a statement on Monday, urging Rivers lawmakers to focus on their responsibilities to the people of the state.
Oscar Imaete, president of the group, addressed the recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning that the reasons for defection might not be resolved even in their new political affiliation.
The lawmakers who joined the APC are reportedly loyal to Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the remaining four supporting state Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
Imaete expressed concern about the ongoing political crisis within the Rivers APC, suggesting that it could impact the effectiveness of the lawmakers in their new party.
He urged the lawmakers to separate party politics from governance, emphasizing the need for progress in the state.
In a related development, the Ogoni Development Drive (ODD) and Coalition of Rivers Civil Society Group issued a plea for peace in the state.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and encourage Wike to prioritize peace, allowing Governor Siminilaye to attend to his responsibilities without disruptions.
The groups warned of potential protests in Abuja if peace is not prioritized in the state.
Responding to the developments, Mr Omuboye Sukubo, the APC candidate in the 2023 elections, acknowledged the lawmakers’ right to defect, stating that contemporary politics is often driven by personal interests rather than ideological considerations.
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