Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state, has asked President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.
Diri spoke on Wednesday at the emergency stakeholders’ congress of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) held at the Sani Abacha Hall of the Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the protracted political crisis and vandalisation of oil facilities.
The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers state governor; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for Rivers state.
On March 20, the senate and the house of representatives controversially ratified Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule.
The presidency had said that the decision was to prevent further escalation of the political crisis in the south-south state.
Diri, in a statement issued by Daniel Alabrah, his spokesperson, said the Rivers crisis could be resolved through dialogue.
The Bayelsa governor asked Tinubu to instead establish a committee to mediate and reconcile the various parties involved in the dispute.
“Again, I restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for the people of Rivers State,” the statement reads.
“I 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.”
Diri said the Ijaw people remain dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and progress, emphasising that as a major ethnic group, they have made significant sacrifices for the nation.
“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,” the governor 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.”