The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has firmly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unjustified and politically motivated.
IYC Alleges Political Manipulation
Reacting to the announcement, IYC President Dr. Alaye Theophilus argued that the crisis in Rivers State was not severe enough to warrant such a drastic measure.
He alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, played a key role in escalating tensions between the executive and legislative arms to gain control over Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Theophilus also linked the recent attack on the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Ogoni to a deliberate attempt by political actors to justify the emergency rule.
“We will never accept this decision. The crisis was engineered by Wike, and we urge the President to reconsider,” he declared.
Calls for Peace and Reversal of the Decision
Despite rising tensions, Theophilus urged Ijaw youths to remain peaceful while continuing to resist what he described as an unconstitutional move.
Similarly, Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, criticized the hasty nature of the declaration, arguing that it violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the proper procedure for emergency rule.
“Why has Wike, who has repeatedly threatened to destabilize the state, not been held accountable? The process leading to this declaration was flawed,” Okaba questioned.
He further accused Wike of using military force to intimidate political opponents, citing his recent visit to Abalama with gunboats and soldiers as an act of provocation.
Ijaw Leaders to Assess Political Landscape
Professor Okaba emphasized that at the right time, the Ijaw nation would evaluate Nigeria’s political landscape to determine if their interests are being fairly represented.
With strong resistance from Ijaw leaders and other stakeholders, the controversy surrounding the emergency rule in Rivers State continues to intensify.
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