Emergency rule: Ijaw demand reversal as Diri urges NASS to set up reconciliation committee on Rivers crisis

The last has not been heard of the protracted political crises in Rivers State as the Ijaw nation has called on President Bola Tinubu to rescind his declaration of a State of Emergency in the oil-rich state.

At an event in Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, eminent Ijaw leaders condemned the hasty declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State.

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba who convened the meeting Commended Nigerians from all walks of life, Niger Deltans and the international community for their unflinching support for justice and equity in the ongoing Rivers political crisis.

‎Okaba reiterated that the suspension of Governor Fubara and dismantling of democratic structures in Rivers State by President Tinubu under whatever guise, constituted a great assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

He noted that the infractions on the rights of the Ijaws in Rivers, who had been denied the governorship position for over 24 years, was not a partisan issue but a fundamental challenge to the constitutional framework that guides the rights and economy of every Nigerian citizen.

‎Okaba added that the gathering was not another talk shop but to remind the Ijaws that their strength was not merely numerical but derived from the bond of unity and love for their motherland.

Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri in his remarks appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and instead set up a committee to reconcile the different parties to the dispute in the state.

Governor Diri, who contended that the Rivers crises can be resolved through dialogue, also empasised that the Ijaw ethnic nationality was not in conflict with the President or the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He said: “Again, l restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for people of Rivers State. l urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities that will immediately intervene and bring back peace and the constituted government of Rivers State back to office.

“The South-South Governors’ Forum, of which I am chairman, had urged the President to reconsider his stance and allow for dialogue among the parties.

“However, let me be unequivocal. The Ijaw nation is not in conflict with the Federal Government, nor do we have any dispute with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Let us continue to build a harmonious and prosperous Ijaw nation and, by extension, the Niger Delta. However, while we embrace peace, let no one mistake our pacifist approach for cowardice. We are a people of indomitable spirit, forged by history, rich with courage and stamina. Our heritage is outstanding, and we will defend our collective dignity against any form of denigration.”

Also speaking, rights activist, Ms. Annkio Briggs, said the Ijaw nation forefathers like King Koko of Nembe, King Jaja of Opobo, Isaac Adaka Boro and others that fought for the rights of their descendants, foresaw the happenings of today and noted that it was now the responsibility of the people to safeguard and improve on what they hold in their custody.