The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has intensified the push for self-determination among the Ijaw people in the Niger Delta.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), expressed discontent, calling the decision “another slap on us.” He stated that the Ijaw people would deliberate on their position in a stakeholders’ meeting. He also criticised the President’s approach, arguing that Tinubu had an opportunity to address the crisis by calling Minister Nyesom Wike to order.
Okaba accused Wike of attempting to control Rivers State by making governance difficult for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “He had boldly stated that he would make governance impossible for the governor in as much as he does not dance to his tune,” Okaba said. He cited reports that Wike demanded control over all local government areas and an agreement that Fubara would not contest in 2027.
According to Okaba, Wike’s desperation for power has left the people of Rivers State to suffer. He argued that Tinubu’s decision was unfair, stating, “Why will you leave Wike and sack Sim? The best thing is to remove everybody who played a role in this.” He insisted that Wike and all federal appointees from the state should be removed to prevent further crises.
He further claimed that Wike had always considered a state of emergency as an option. “He felt if the judiciary cannot remove him quickly; if the House of Assembly could not take him off; then the next option is to create a chaotic situation so that an emergency can be imposed on the state,” Okaba said.
Retired Judge Criticises Tinubu’s Decision
Retired Delta State Customary Court President Miakpor Emiaso also raised concerns over Tinubu’s handling of the crisis. He admitted that the situation had become unavoidable but criticised the President’s language as politically biased.
“If you noticed, the president never mentioned the name of the speaker in the broadcast, nor did he refer to the well-known external influence on the House of Assembly, which is the origin of this crisis,” Emiaso pointed out. He argued that by failing to acknowledge Wike’s role, Tinubu appeared biased.
He warned that Wike might still influence the state’s new administrator and questioned the six-month duration of the emergency rule. “It is too long, especially when you drafted a retired military officer to run the state,” he said.
Ekiyor: “Tinubu Is Answerable to His Minister”
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President Dr. Chris Ekiyor expressed shock at the declaration, suggesting that it implied Tinubu was taking orders from Wike. He accused Wike of orchestrating the crisis while the President remained passive.
Ekiyor questioned the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers who defected from the ruling party, arguing that the judiciary’s failure to uphold the Electoral Act contributed to the crisis. “If it had been done correctly, the current crisis in Rivers State would have been long resolved,” he said.
He criticised Wike’s treatment of the Ijaw people, recalling how the minister insulted them at a media event in Abuja and later used tear gas against women and children. “We did not respond with violence to allow peace to reign, knowing that his goal was to cause the president to declare a state of emergency,” he added.
Drawing comparisons with past political conflicts, Ekiyor recalled that Tinubu himself had opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007 without facing emergency rule. He questioned the basis of Tinubu’s decision, asking, “Why does he not think it is those fighting Fubara? Is there no Joint Task Force securing the pipelines anymore?”
Olawepo-Hashim Calls for Stability Over Power Struggle
Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, warning that ordinary citizens would suffer the most from the political battle between Fubara and Wike.
In a statement from his media office, Hashim criticised Tinubu’s declaration, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed to govern Rivers for six months.
Hashim lamented that past political conflicts were driven by ideology and national interest, whereas the Rivers crisis was fueled by personal rivalries. “The current situation reflects a dangerous shift in Nigeria’s political culture that could undermine our democratic order,” he warned.
He urged Tinubu to act with wisdom, stating, “Extreme measures like a state of emergency should be applied with caution and fairness to avoid further political and social instability.”
Comparisons with Past Emergency Declarations
Hashim compared the Rivers situation to past cases where states of emergency were declared in Nigeria. He referenced the 2004 Plateau State crisis under Obasanjo and the 2011 and 2013 emergency measures taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan in response to Boko Haram attacks.
However, he noted that the Rivers case was unique because it was triggered by political infighting rather than widespread violence.
National Assembly’s Role
Hashim welcomed the House of Representatives’ position that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) should not supervise Rivers’ new administrator. Instead, he argued, the National Assembly should oversee his actions to ensure constitutional accountability.
“The decision by the House reinforces the principle of constitutional order and legislative oversight,” Hashim said, stressing that lawmakers must protect democracy.
