By Abiola Olawale
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reconsider the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking at an Emergency Stakeholders’ Congress of the Ijaw National Congress held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Diri emphasized that the ongoing crisis in Rivers State could be resolved through dialogue rather than the suspension of democratic institutions.
Diri, who chairs the South-South Governors’ Forum, argued that the declaration of emergency rule, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly on March 18, 2025, stifles democracy in the region.
He stated: “Again, I restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for the people of Rivers State. l urge Mr President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities that will immediately intervene and bring peace and the constituted government of Rivers State back to office.
“The South-South Governors’ Forum, of which I am chairman, had urged the president to reconsider his stance and allow for dialogue among the parties.
“However, let me be unequivocal. The Ijaw nation is not in conflict with the Federal Government nor do we have any dispute with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Also, the Bayelsa governor clarified that the Ijaw ethnic nationality harbours no conflict with the Federal Government or President Tinubu.
He stressed the Ijaw people’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
He continued: “Today, we must again draw from the fountain of wisdom. It is imperative that we resist being manipulated and refuse to be drawn into a conflict orchestrated by desperate people propagating their agenda. We must approach every situation with discernment, ensuring that our actions align with long-term goals rather than short-term interests.
“Our contributions, political, economic, and environmental, are undeniable. We should continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and inclusivity within a united Nigeria. I urge all Ijaws, especially our vibrant youths, to exercise restraint, maintain peace, and steer clear of actions that could escalate tensions. Our future is best secured through engagement, dialogue, and strategic partnerships.
“Let us continue to build a harmonious and prosperous Ijaw nation and, by extension, the Niger Delta. However, while we embrace peace, let no one mistake our pacifist approach for cowardice. We are a people of indomitable spirit, forged by history, rich with courage and stamina. Our heritage is outstanding and we will defend our collective dignity against any form of denigration.”
In a welcome address, the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, appreciated Ijaw men and women of good conscience, Niger Deltans, Nigerians and the international community for their unflinching support for justice and equity in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Okaba stressed that the position of emergency rule and suspension of any governor by President Tinubu, under whatever guise, constituted a great assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.
He noted that the infractions on the rights of the Ijaws in Rivers, who had been denied the governorship position for over 24 years, were not a partisan issue but a fundamental challenge to the constitutional framework that guides the rights and economy of every Nigerian citizen.
Okaba added that the gathering was not another talk shop but to remind the Ijaws that their strength was not merely numerical but derived from the bond of unity and love for their motherland.
The INC leader also urged the Federal Government to reconsider its actions and respect the Sovereignty of the Rivers people.
