The Coalition of Concerned Ijaw Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria has strongly condemned 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, alongside 16 Ijaw leaders, denounced the move as a “rape of democracy” and an attempt to impose political control over the state. John-Oduone criticized the president’s actions, alleging they were politically motivated and aimed at forcing the governor and other state officials to defect to the ruling party. She described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of the 1999 Constitution, which the president and all governors swore to uphold.
The coalition also accused the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, of facilitating the state of emergency declaration, claiming it was part of a larger strategy to undermine democracy. Other Ijaw leaders at the press conference echoed concerns over the political and security implications of the emergency rule. Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (FCT & Northern Nigeria), urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision in the interest of national unity, while Adam Mabo, President General of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), warned that the move could escalate tensions in the state.
Tamunokuro Obetoubara, President of Wakirike Bise, cautioned against destabilizing the Niger Delta, recalling the region’s history of unrest before late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua brokered peace. The coalition further called on the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS to intervene against what they described as an emerging authoritarian regime.
The stakeholders vowed to continue resisting what they see as an assault on democracy and demanded an immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
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