President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has reignited calls for self-determination among the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta, with leaders and stakeholders condemning the move as biased and politically motivated.
Ijaw Leaders Decry Emergency Rule
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people, expressed deep disappointment over the development. Its president, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the decision as a “slap” on the Ijaw people, adding that the group would convene a wider stakeholders’ meeting to reassess its position within the Nigerian state.
Okaba criticized the president for failing to rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of orchestrating the crisis to maintain control over Rivers State’s political structure.
“The president had ample opportunity to call Wike to order, yet he did not,” Okaba stated. “Instead, a state of emergency was declared, while Wike—who has openly boasted about making governance impossible for Governor Siminalayi Fubara—remains in office.”
The INC leader further argued that Wike’s demands for control over local governments and a pledge from Fubara not to seek re-election in 2027 prove his desperate bid to retain power at all costs.
Judiciary, Godfatherism, and Political Bias
Retired Delta State judge Miakpor Emiaso also weighed in on the matter, describing the emergency rule as an unfortunate but inevitable consequence of the political turmoil in Rivers State. However, he criticized Tinubu’s handling of the situation, noting a clear bias in his decision.
“The president’s speech never mentioned the role of the House of Assembly’s external influencers, particularly Wike, despite overwhelming evidence of his involvement,” Emiaso observed. “If Tinubu wants to be seen as fair, he must remove Wike; otherwise, he will continue to manipulate the situation.”
He also argued that the six-month duration of the emergency rule was excessive, particularly with a retired military officer appointed as administrator.
Ex-IYC President: ‘State of Emergency is a Disgrace’
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) president Dr. Chris Ekiyor condemned the move as a “rude shock,” asserting that it gives the impression that the president is being controlled by his minister.
“Wike engineered this entire crisis while the president stood by and watched,” Ekiyor said. “The real issue is the defection of 27 lawmakers, which violates the Electoral Act. Yet, the judiciary ruled in their favor, further deepening the crisis.”
Ekiyor also accused Wike of insulting the Ijaw people and orchestrating violent crackdowns against them. He questioned the government’s claim that Fubara was responsible for recent pipeline explosions, arguing that such allegations lacked merit.
He further pointed out the contradiction in Tinubu’s actions, recalling that the president himself defied federal authorities while serving as Lagos State governor between 2003 and 2007, yet no state of emergency was declared in Lagos.
Calls for Justice and Fairness
As opposition to the emergency rule mounts, Ijaw leaders have called on President Tinubu to reassess his decision and ensure fairness in handling the Rivers crisis. They warn that failure to address the situation impartially could deepen ethnic tensions and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
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