The Coalition of Concerned Ijaw Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria has called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, as well as the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
At a press conference, Convener Comrade Rosemary John-Oduone, joined by 16 other Ijaw leaders, strongly condemned the president’s actions, labeling it a “rape of democracy.”
John-Oduone stated, “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which the President and all governors swore to uphold, has been disregarded by Bola Tinubu, with the help of the armed forces and police, to unlawfully remove the duly elected Governor and Government of Rivers State.”
She further accused the president of using this state of emergency to force the governor and state officials to defect to his political party, thereby attempting to establish a one-party system and secure his re-election for a second term.
“The situation in Rivers State does not warrant a state of emergency, and we demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”
Additionally, John-Oduone criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for playing a role in facilitating the illegal declaration of the state of emergency.
“The Attorney General has been complicit in orchestrating this unconstitutional act,” she alleged.
Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (FCT & Northern Nigeria), called on President Tinubu to reconsider his decision in the interest of national unity.
Adam Mabo, President General of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), warned that the state of emergency could exacerbate political tensions in Rivers State, urging the president to focus on building alliances for the 2027 elections.
Tamunokuro Obetoubara, President of Wakirike Bise, cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta, recalling the region’s past conflicts and the peace efforts initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The coalition has also appealed to the international community, urging organizations like the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS to intervene and prevent what they described as an emerging authoritarian regime in Nigeria.
“We call on the international community to take immediate action to protect the people of Nigeria from this despotic government, which is abusing state institutions to solidify corrupt and undemocratic practices,” the coalition stated.
The Ijaw stakeholders have pledged to continue resisting what they consider an attack on democracy and demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
