Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has urged to President Bola Tinubu to reverse the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and instead set up a committee to reconcile the different parties to the dispute in the state.
Gov. Diri, who contended that the Rivers crisis can be resolved through dialogue, also empasised that the Ijaw ethnic nationality was not in conflict with the president or the federal government.
The Bayelsa governor made the appeal on Wednesday, at the emergency stakeholders’ congress of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), which held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
He urged Tinubu and the National Assembly to constitute a committee of eminent personalities, to immediately intervene and restore peace and bring the legally constituted government back to office in Rivers.
The governor 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 Tinubu.”
According to Gov. Diri, the Ijaw people remain committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria and, as one of the major and largest ethnic groups, have made immense sacrifices for the country’s unity and prosperity.
“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.
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“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,” the governor said
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, appreciated Ijaw men and women of good conscience, Niger Deltans, Nigerians and the international community for their unflinching support for justice and equity in the ongoing Rivers political crisis.
Prof. Okaba stressed that the imposition of emergency rule and suspension of any governor by President Tinubu, under whatever guise, constituted a great assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.
He noted that the infractions on the rights of the Ijaws in Rivers State, who had been denied the governorship position for over 24 years, were not a partisan issue, but a fundamental challenge to the constitutional framework that guides the rights and economy of every Nigerian citizen.
Prof. Okaba added that the gathering was not another talk shop but to remind the Ijaws that their strength was not merely numerical but derived from the bond of unity and love for their motherland.
The INC leader also urged the federal government to reconsider its actions and respect the sovereignty of the Rivers people.
