The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reignited long-standing grievances among the Ijaw people, pushing them to reconsider their place within Nigeria. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced an emergency meeting to deliberate on their next course of action, including potential moves toward self-determination.
Speaking on the development, the INC President expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of the crisis, calling the decision hasty and politically motivated.
“The Ijaw people must assess our place in this Nigerian project and explore all available options for self-determination. The emergency rule is a knee-jerk reaction that fails to address the root cause of the problem,” he stated.
He further criticized the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the crisis, alleging that his overbearing influence and personal political ambitions had created instability in Rivers State.
“Wike has openly declared his intention to make governance impossible for Governor Siminalayi Fubara unless he submits to his control. He demanded control over all local government areas and even insisted Fubara should not seek re-election in 2027. This is political hostage-taking, and it is unacceptable.”
The INC President warned that Tinubu’s selective approach to the crisis—removing Governor Fubara while leaving Wike untouched—would only fuel more unrest.
“If justice is to be served, Wike must be removed alongside all his federal appointees from Rivers State. Otherwise, they will continue to manipulate the system and perpetuate instability,” he added.
The Ijaw community and other political observers have questioned the true motives behind the state of emergency. A retired Customary Court President, Miakpor Emiaso, noted that the president’s declaration appeared politically biased.
“The president never mentioned the role of the Rivers State House of Assembly speaker or the external influences behind the crisis. This omission suggests a deliberate effort to shield Wike while punishing Fubara,” Emiaso remarked.
He further argued that a six-month emergency rule was excessive, particularly under the leadership of a retired military officer.
“This decision legitimizes political godfatherism. If Tinubu is truly neutral, he must remove Wike from his ministerial position. Otherwise, Wike will continue to pull the strings behind the scenes,” he warned.
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Dr. Chris Ekyor, expressed shock over the declaration, accusing Tinubu of acting under Wike’s influence.
“This emergency rule suggests that Wike has captured the presidency. How else do you explain a situation where the architect of the crisis remains in office while his victim is removed?”
Ekyor also condemned the role of the judiciary in the crisis, questioning how the courts upheld the defection of 27 lawmakers in clear violation of the Electoral Act.
“Judicial compromise is at the heart of this crisis. If the courts had done their job, Rivers State would not be in this mess,” he asserted.
The former IYC leader further recalled Wike’s past provocations against the Ijaw people, including the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters and his infamous statement—”How many dem dey?”—which he said was a blatant insult to the Ijaw nation.
Political analysts warn that the Rivers State emergency declaration could set a dangerous precedent. Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution, warning that ordinary citizens would bear the brunt of the power struggle between Wike and Fubara.
“Political conflicts in Nigeria were once driven by ideology and national interest. Today, they are fueled by personal vendettas and ego battles. This shift is dangerous for our democracy,” Hashim cautioned.
Drawing comparisons to past emergency declarations, Hashim pointed out that previous interventions were in response to large-scale violence, not political disputes.
“In 2004, President Obasanjo declared an emergency in Plateau after 2,000 people were killed. In 2013, President Jonathan imposed emergency rule due to Boko Haram insurgency. Rivers State is the first case where emergency rule is being used purely as a political weapon,” he observed.
Hashim also welcomed the House of Representatives’ insistence on overseeing the sole administrator’s activities, rejecting the proposal that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) should have unchecked control.
“Legislative oversight is critical to ensuring that this emergency rule does not become a tool for political suppression,” he said.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in on the matter, warning that suspending a democratically elected governor sets a dangerous precedent. NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described it as a “constitutional aberration that could undermine democracy in Nigeria.”
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) labeled the emergency rule “an assault on Nigeria’s federalism,” warning that it could destabilize the political structure of the country.
As tension escalates, political leaders and stakeholders continue to call for restraint. Dr. Hashim urged all parties to prioritize the people’s interests over personal ambitions.
“Nigeria needs development, not power struggles. Political leaders must rise above personal disputes and focus on governance that delivers peace, progress, and prosperity,” he concluded.
With the Ijaw leaders set to meet in the coming days, the next phase of this crisis could redefine the future of Rivers State—and possibly Nigeria’s democracy.
PIONEER NEWS 