March 26, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has renewed his appeal to President Bola Tinubu to shelve plans of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and instead initiate a reconciliation process to resolve the political crisis rocking the state.
Diri, who stressed that the lingering crisis could be resolved through dialogue, reaffirmed that the Ijaw ethnic nationality was not in conflict with the President or the Federal Government.
The governor made the appeal on Wednesday at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
He urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to set up a committee of eminent personalities to facilitate peace and restore the duly constituted government in Rivers State.
Diri said, “This is the time for dialogue because the current situation is a lose-lose for the people of Rivers State.
“I call on Mr. President and the National Assembly to urgently constitute a reconciliation committee to restore peace and reinstate the elected government.”
He recalled that the South-South Governors’ Forum, which he chairs, had earlier advised the President to reconsider his position and embrace dialogue.
“The Ijaw nation has no dispute with the Federal Government or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated emphatically.
Diri emphasised the Ijaw people’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress, highlighting their historical sacrifices for the nation’s stability and development.
He cautioned, “We must resist manipulation and not be drawn into conflicts fueled by individuals with hidden agendas.
“Our advocacy should focus on justice, fairness, and inclusivity within a united Nigeria.”
Diri also urged Ijaw youths to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and pursue peace through constructive engagement and strategic partnerships.
“We remain a people of resilience, forged by history and strengthened by courage. While we choose peace, let no one mistake our patience for weakness,” he asserted.
In his remarks, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, condemned any attempt to declare emergency rule in Rivers State or suspend the governor, describing such moves as a direct assault on democracy and the people’s mandate.
He decried the continued political marginalization of Ijaws in Rivers State, noting that they had been denied the governorship position for over two decades.
“This is not a partisan matter but a fundamental challenge to our constitutional rights and national democracy,” Okaba said.
Rights activist, Ms. Annkio Briggs, in her keynote address, underscored the need for the Ijaw people to safeguard their legacy and continue the fight for justice and self-determination.
She praised those who stood by Rivers State since Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s inauguration in 2023, describing their support as true Ijaw unity.
The meeting was attended by notable Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former military governor of Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; former Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, and several traditional rulers and political figures.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
