Rivers emergency rule: Diri calls for dialogue

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has once again called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Diri suggested that instead of imposing a state of emergency, Tinubu should establish a committee to facilitate reconciliation among the parties involved in the dispute. He argued that the crisis in Rivers could be resolved through dialogue and stressed that the Ijaw ethnic group is not in conflict with either the President or the Federal Government.
Diri made this appeal on Wednesday during the Emergency Stakeholders’ Congress of the Ijaw National Congress, held at the Sani Abacha Hall of the Ijaw House in Yenagoa. He urged both President Tinubu and the National Assembly to form a committee of distinguished individuals to intervene promptly, restore peace, and reinstate the legally constituted government in Rivers State.
He said, “Again, I restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for 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 back 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.”
He maintained that the Ijaw people remain committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria and, as one of the major and largest ethnic groups, alongside other ethnic nationalities, had made immense sacrifices for the country’s unity and prosperity.
He said, “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 his welcome address, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, expressed gratitude to Ijaw men and women of conscience, Niger Deltans, Nigerians, and the international community for their steadfast support for justice and fairness in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Okaba emphasized that the imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of any governor by President Tinubu, under any circumstances, was a serious violation of justice, democratic principles, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate. He pointed out that the denial of the Ijaw people in Rivers, who have been without a governorship position for over 24 years, was not a partisan issue but a fundamental challenge to the constitutional rights and the economic well-being of every Nigerian citizen.
He further noted that the gathering was not simply another discussion but a reminder to the Ijaw people that their strength lies not just in their numbers, but in their unity and love for their homeland. Okaba also called on the Federal Government to reconsider its actions and respect the sovereignty of the Rivers people.
The one-day stakeholders meeting was attended by several prominent Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the first military governor of Rivers State and current Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Gabriel Tobi; and former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah. Other attendees included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; notable traditional rulers from across Ijaw land; and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, among others.