The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked fresh discussions about self-determination among the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), expressed deep concerns, describing the move as a blow to the Ijaw people.
“We see this as another slap on us,” he stated, adding that the group would soon convene a stakeholders’ meeting to determine its next course of action.
Ijaw Leaders Call for a Rethink
According to Okaba, the situation could have been handled differently. He criticized Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of orchestrating the political instability in Rivers State.
Okaba claimed Wike’s influence was behind the crisis, noting that the minister had openly declared his intent to control all 23 local government areas and dictate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future.
“The President had the opportunity to address the issue by calling Wike to order,” Okaba said. “Instead, he declared an emergency while allowing the main antagonist to remain in power.”
Legal Experts and Political Figures Weigh In
A retired judge from Delta State, Miakpor Emiaso, echoed these sentiments, stating that the president’s declaration carried political bias.
He pointed out that Wike’s influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly was ignored in Tinubu’s speech.
Similarly, former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, found the situation shocking. He argued that the state of emergency suggested that the president was acting under Wike’s influence.
“Wike orchestrated this crisis while the president watched,” he lamented.
Comparing Past Emergency Declarations
Political analyst Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim highlighted how previous states of emergency in Nigeria were declared due to large-scale violence or insurgency.
He noted that the Rivers case is unique because it stems from political infighting rather than security threats.
“The six-month emergency rule is excessive,” he warned. “It could set a dangerous precedent where political disagreements result in drastic federal interventions.”
What’s Next for Rivers State?
The crisis has triggered national debate, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) condemning the move.
Many fear the decision could undermine democracy and worsen political instability.
As the Ijaw leadership prepares to meet, all eyes are on their next move—will they push for self-determination, or will they seek a resolution within Nigeria’s political framework?
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