President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an assault on democratic governance and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.
Speaking at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Okaba condemned the move, stating that suspending an elected governor under any guise sets a dangerous precedent that undermines justice and constitutional principles.
He noted that the denial of the governorship position to Ijaws in Rivers State for over 24 years was not just a political issue but a fundamental challenge to Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He urged the federal government to respect the sovereignty of the Rivers people and seek alternative ways to resolve the crisis.
“The imposition of emergency rule and suspension of any governor by the President is a great assault on democratic governance,” Okaba stated. “This is beyond politics—it is about justice, equity, and the fundamental rights of the people.”
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, also joined the call for a peaceful resolution, urging Tinubu and the National Assembly to establish a reconciliation committee to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers.
Diri emphasized that the crisis could be resolved through dialogue rather than drastic measures, stressing that the Ijaw ethnic nationality was not in conflict with the federal government.
“Again, I restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for the people of Rivers State,” Diri said. “I urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities that will immediately intervene, restore peace, and bring the legally constituted government back to office.”
He further noted that the South-South Governors’ Forum, which he chairs, had already appealed to the President to reconsider his stance and allow for dialogue.
Rights activist Ms Annkio Briggs also weighed in, recalling the sacrifices of Ijaw leaders such as King Koko of Nembe, King Jaja of Opobo, and Isaac Adaka Boro, who fought for their people’s rights. She emphasized that the current generation must build on this legacy and resist any attempts to undermine their progress.
“It would be a great disservice if this generation of the Ijaw nation does not do better than our forebears,” Briggs said.
She commended those who have stood in solidarity with Rivers State since 2023, particularly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s swearing-in, describing their support as a testament to Ijaw unity.
The one-day stakeholders’ meeting was attended by prominent Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Others present included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; notable traditional rulers from across Ijawland; and President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri.
The INC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and the unity of Nigeria while urging restraint among Ijaw youths to prevent further escalation of tensions in Rivers State.
