The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rivers State Chapter, has expressed deep concern over the escalating political crisis in the state, warning that the growing tension poses a serious threat to peace, governance and development.
The PFN State Chairman, Reverend Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, made this known while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, condemning what he described as unnecessary political power tussles that are distracting the government from its core responsibility of delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
According to him, the prevailing political atmosphere in Rivers State has become overheated and must be urgently de-escalated in the interest of stability and progress.
“It is important that we come out to condemn this situation. Enough is enough. Let us stop this noise in Rivers State and allow governance to thrive,” the PFN chairman said.
Reverend Dagogo-Jack cautioned political actors who claim to command overwhelming electoral influence in the state to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, noting that such claims are not supported by recent electoral statistics.
He pointed out that the number of votes secured by political actors during the last presidential election was marginal when compared to the state’s registered voter strength of about 3.5 million.
“You claim to have control, yet you delivered just over two hundred thousand votes in a state with about 3.5 million registered voters. That is not even the population. Have you asked yourself where the remaining ninety per cent of voters are?” he queried.
The cleric disclosed that the PFN would again mobilise its members across the state, as it did during the 2023 general elections, warning that any attempt to manipulate future electoral processes would be strongly resisted.
Reacting to reported moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Reverend Dagogo-Jack called for restraint, dialogue and sober reflection among all parties involved.
He questioned the weight and credibility of the allegations being cited as grounds for impeachment, suggesting that the reasons so far presented do not appear sufficient to justify such a drastic constitutional action.
“What has Professor Ngozi Odu done in this case? As an individual, I feel there is something more than what they are telling us. If what we are hearing is true, I do not think it is strong enough to warrant impeachment,” he said.
While stressing that Governor Fubara is not above the law, the PFN chairman maintained that impeachment should not be used as a political weapon.
“I am not saying the governor is above the law, and I am also not saying that members of the State Assembly should be intimidated. However, the reasons being circulated are not enough to impeach a sitting governor,” he added.
Reverend Dagogo-Jack further revealed that the PFN in Rivers State is already preparing to mobilise its membership ahead of future elections to prevent a recurrence of the political instability currently confronting the state.
He explained that the fellowship plans to adopt a three-pronged approach, including mass voter mobilisation, scrutiny of aspiring leaders and sustained civic engagement, to ensure that only credible leaders emerge in the 2027 election cycle.
The PFN chairman concluded by calling on all stakeholders to embrace peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, stressing that a stable political environment is essential for good governance and sustainable development in Rivers State.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
