Ijaw Leaders Condemn Rivers State Emergency, Call For Governor’s Reinstatement

Ijaw Stakeholders Reject Rivers State Emergency, Demand Governor’s Reinstatement

The Coalition of Concerned Ijaw Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling for its immediate reversal and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

At a press conference, Convener Comrade Rosemary John-Oduone, accompanied by 16 Ijaw leaders, denounced the move as a violation of democracy.

“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which the President and all governors swore to uphold, has been disregarded by Bola Tinubu with the backing of security forces to unlawfully remove the elected Governor of Rivers State,” John-Oduone stated.

She further accused the president of attempting to force the governor and state officials into his political party, allegedly to establish a one-party system and secure re-election in 2027.

Call for Immediate Reversal

The coalition insists that the situation in Rivers State does not justify a state of emergency and demands Governor Fubara’s reinstatement. They also accused Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi of playing a role in the controversial declaration.

“The Attorney General of the Federation has facilitated this unconstitutional move, paving the way for this undemocratic decision,” John-Oduone alleged.

Calls for National Unity and Political Stability

Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (FCT & Northern Nigeria), urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision for the sake of national unity.

Similarly, Adam Mabo, President General of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), warned that the state of emergency could escalate tensions in Rivers State, urging the president to focus on inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tamunokuro Obetoubara, President of Wakirike Bise, cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta, reminding Nigerians of past conflicts that were only resolved under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

International Appeal for Intervention

The coalition has reached out to global bodies, including the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS, urging them to intervene and prevent what they describe as an emerging authoritarian regime in Nigeria.

“We call on the international community to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent the abuse of state institutions for political gains,” the statement read.

Commitment to Defending Democracy

The Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue resisting what they see as an attack on democracy. They demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State and remain committed to holding the government accountable.

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