Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has reignited discussions among the Ijaw ethnic group regarding their political future within Nigeria. The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural body representing the ethnic nationality, has announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to assess their position in light of the unfolding political crisis.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, expressed discontent over the situation, describing the emergency declaration as a setback for the Ijaw people. Speaking to newsmen, he stated, “This is another slap on us. We will deliberate on this issue comprehensively and evaluate our options for self-determination.”
Political Intrigues and Power Struggles
Okaba criticized the decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara while leaving Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his position despite his alleged role in fueling the crisis. “The President had ample opportunity to address this issue differently, particularly by holding Wike accountable,” he argued.
The INC leader accused Wike of attempting to dominate the state’s political landscape, citing his alleged demands that Fubara relinquish control over local governments and pledge not to seek re-election in 2027. Okaba contended that the emergency declaration played into Wike’s strategy, calling for the removal of all federal appointees from Rivers State to prevent further manipulation of the crisis.
Legal Concerns and Perceived Bias
Reacting to the development, retired Delta State Customary Court president, Miakpor Emiaso, described the move as inevitable but expressed reservations about the President’s approach. “The crisis had reached a boiling point, but the President’s language revealed a political bias,” he observed. Emiaso highlighted Tinubu’s failure to acknowledge external influences on the state legislature, particularly Wike’s involvement, which, he argued, undermined the fairness of the decision.
Emiaso further warned that keeping Wike in office could allow him to exert undue influence over the appointed administrator. “If Tinubu wants to be seen as neutral, Wike must be removed,” he asserted, adding that the six-month duration of the emergency rule was excessive.
Ijaw Youth Council Condemns Emergency Rule
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) president, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, voiced strong opposition to the President’s action, labeling it a “rude shock.” He accused Tinubu of yielding to Wike’s influence, stating, “The crisis was orchestrated while the President remained passive.”
Ekiyor also raised concerns over judicial decisions that legitimized the 27 defecting lawmakers, despite constitutional provisions against such defections. He recalled past incidents, such as the 2009 Atlas Cove attack in Lagos, which did not prompt emergency rule, questioning the justification for the move in Rivers State. “Why is Fubara being blamed for the explosions? Why is Wike not under scrutiny?” he asked.
The former IYC leader also condemned Wike’s remarks about the Ijaw people and alleged police brutality against Ijaw protesters. “We chose restraint to avoid playing into Wike’s hands,” he said, suggesting that the crisis was manufactured to justify emergency rule.
Calls for a Political Resolution
Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, also weighed in, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Expressing concern over Tinubu’s decision, he stated, “Political conflicts in the past were driven by ideology and national interest, not ego battles.” He warned that the Rivers crisis reflected a troubling shift in Nigeria’s political culture.
Olawepo-Hashim urged Tinubu to exercise greater wisdom in handling political conflicts, warning that extreme measures could destabilize the nation further. Drawing comparisons to previous emergency declarations—such as those in Plateau, Borno, and Adamawa during insurgency crises—he pointed out that Rivers State’s situation was unique as it stemmed purely from political disagreements.
Legal and Political Reactions
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over the constitutionality of suspending elected officials, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) condemned the move, describing it as an attack on Nigeria’s federal structure.
The House of Representatives has also taken a stand, rejecting the proposal for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to oversee the emergency administration in Rivers State. Instead, lawmakers insisted that the National Assembly should have supervisory authority over the appointed administrator to maintain constitutional balance.
As reactions continue to pour in, stakeholders are urging President Tinubu to reconsider his approach to the crisis. Ijaw leaders, in particular, are preparing to assess their future in Nigeria’s political landscape, with self-determination now on the agenda. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the long-term impact of the state of emergency on democratic governance in Rivers State.
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