The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as key stakeholders urge the Federal Government to reconsider its six-month emergency declaration, warning of potential economic consequences and threats to democratic governance.
Former LG Chairmen Support Suspended Governor
All 23 former local government chairmen in Rivers State have declared their support for suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the emergency rule as "unfortunate." Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, former Port Harcourt City Councillor Ezebunwo Echemati praised Fubara's efforts to maintain stability and pledged their solidarity during this turbulent period.
Calls for Dialogue Over Force
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who also chairs the South-South Governors' Forum, has called on President Bola Tinubu to replace the emergency rule with a reconciliation committee. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in Yenagoa, Diri emphasized that dialogue, not force, was the solution.
"This is a lose-lose situation for Rivers people," Diri said. "I urge the President and the National Assembly to immediately set up a committee of eminent personalities to intervene and restore the legally constituted government."
He clarified that the Ijaw people were not in conflict with the Federal Government or President Tinubu but sought a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Civil Society Warns Against Prolonged Emergency
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has advised the Federal Government to ensure the emergency rule does not exceed the stipulated six months. Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu, speaking in Abuja, recommended terminating the measure within three months to prevent further tensions.
"All parties must be given fair treatment and a level playing field to protect their political interests," Akinlosotu said. He proposed a mediation committee to engage all stakeholders and recommend lasting solutions.
INC Condemns Emergency Rule as Undemocratic
INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba criticized the emergency declaration as an attack on democracy and the rights of Rivers people. He noted that the Ijaw ethnic group had been marginalized in Rivers politics for over 24 years and called for constitutional fairness.
"Emergency rule undermines the people’s mandate and democratic governance," Okaba stated. "We urge the Federal Government to reconsider its actions and respect the sovereignty of Rivers State."
Rights activist Annkio Briggs echoed this sentiment, invoking the struggles of Niger Delta heroes like Isaac Adaka Boro and King Jaja of Opobo, urging current leaders to protect the region’s interests.
Economic Risks: Oil Production Under Threat
A report by the Society of Energy Editors warns that the political instability in Rivers could severely impact Nigeria’s oil production. The Nigeria Energy Outlook Q2 2025 projects potential losses of 100,000–200,000 barrels per day (bpd) if unrest escalates, further straining government revenues.
Key concerns include:
Increased pipeline vandalism and militant activity
Operational disruptions for major oil firms (Shell, TotalEnergies)
Failure to meet OPEC’s 1.5 million bpd quota
Despite government targets to boost production to 1.8 million bpd, aging infrastructure and security challenges pose significant hurdles.
Way Forward
Stakeholders have proposed:
- Immediate formation of a reconciliation committee
- Restoration of democratic governance in Rivers
- Enhanced security measures to protect oil facilities
As tensions persist, the resolution of the Rivers crisis remains critical to Nigeria’s political stability and economic recovery.
#RiversState #NigeriaPolitics #OilEconomy #Tinubu
Sources: National Civil Society Council, Ijaw National Congress, Society of Energy Editors.