Following continued tension in Rivers State, respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), has strongly condemned what the group described as an “uncivilized invasion” of the official residence of Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
According to the ONC, the incident involved armed agents allegedly acting on the orders of the state’s Sole Administrator.
In a strongly worded statement released to the media on Wednesday, the ONC, which represents the interests of the people of the Orashi region, described the invasion as unlawful, unconstitutional, and gender-targeted act of intimidation.
The group recounted that the armed personnel forcefully disarmed Police officers stationed at the entrance of the Deputy Governor’s official residence in Port Harcourt and seized three government vehicles — two Toyota Hilux trucks and one Toyota Hiace bus — without prior notice or legal justification.
“This brazen act is not only an affront to the Office of the Deputy Governor but a shocking violation of democratic principles and human dignity,” the ONC stated.
The ONC further raised alarm over what it views as a pattern of aggression directed at women in leadership positions in Rivers State. The statement cited recent threats made by the Sole Administrator against female protesters and suggested a troubling trend of gender-targeted oppression.
“Today, he turned military might on a woman constitutionally elected to serve her people. Is this an orchestrated campaign against women in leadership?” the group questioned.
The statement was signed by Amb. Comr. Emeni Ibe JP AP (President General), Snr. Comr. Jonathan Gabriel (Public Relations Officer), and Pst. Isaac Nwachukwu (Secretary General).
The ONC urged democratic institutions, civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, and the international community to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.
“What occurred is not governance. It is tyranny,” the group declared.
“Enough is enough. Democracy must prevail in Rivers State.”
As the incident sparks nationwide concern, pressure is mounting on the Sole Administrator and relevant authorities to clarify the reasons behind the raid and to ensure that such abuses of power are not repeated.