President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-profile meeting with the South South Traditional leader led by Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The revered first-class monarch is accompanied by a delegation of royal fathers, believed to be key members of the Obi-in-Council.
The meeting comes at a critical time, following the growing tension in the South-South geopolitical zone, particularly in Rivers State, where President Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency.
The state of emergency, which has sparked widespread debate and political unrest, led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Representatives members from the state for an initial period of six months.
In a dramatic move, the President appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the oil-rich state. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some stakeholders backing the President’s intervention, while others see it as a controversial step that could further escalate political tensions in the region.
Read also: South South governors call for revocation of emergency rule in Rivers
Nwuche applauds Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers, says president saved state from anarchy
Breaking: House of Representatives approves Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers State
With the unrest spreading across the South-South, many see the visit of Obi Azinge to the Presidential Villa as a crucial engagement aimed at fostering dialogue and peace. As the 14th Asagba of Asaba, Professor Azinge, who ascended the throne on August 26, 2024, is known for his intellectual prowess and deep-rooted influence within the traditional institution. His role in stabilizing relations between the federal government and the Niger Delta communities could be pivotal in preventing further crises.
Although details of the closed-door meeting are yet to be disclosed, sources suggest that discussions may revolve around addressing the concerns of the South-South region, particularly regarding the political developments in Rivers State. The presence of other royal fathers indicates a broader effort to mediate and ensure that peace and stability are restored across the region.
