Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has reiterated his appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. During the Emergency Stakeholders’ Congress of the Ijaw National Congress held in Yenagoa, Diri urged the President to establish a committee aimed at reconciling the conflicting parties in the state.
Diri emphasized that the crisis in Rivers can be resolved through dialogue and clarified that the Ijaw ethnic nationality does not have a conflict with the Federal Government or President Tinubu. He called for a committee of eminent personalities to intervene and restore peace, advocating for the return of the legally constituted government in Rivers State.
He stated, “This is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for the people of Rivers State. I urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee to immediately intervene and bring back peace.”
The Governor noted that the South-South Governors’ Forum, which he chairs, has also urged the President to allow for dialogue among all parties. He reassured that the Ijaw people remain committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress, having made significant sacrifices for the nation.
Diri warned against being manipulated into conflict by those with ulterior motives and called for discernment in actions taken to ensure long-term goals align with the welfare of the Ijaw nation. He reiterated the importance of advocating for justice, fairness, and inclusivity within a united Nigeria.
In a welcome address, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, praised the support from Ijaw people and the international community for justice in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers. He condemned the emergency rule and suspension of any governor by President Tinubu, viewing it as an affront to democratic governance and the people’s mandate.
Rights activist Ms. Annkio Briggs emphasized the duty of the current generation of Ijaws to safeguard their heritage and improve upon what their forebears established. The gathering included prominent Ijaw leaders who echoed the need for unity and justice while respecting the sovereignty of the Rivers people.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy for peace and strategic partnerships to secure a prosperous future for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region.
