Nigerians Are Speaking Out: The Controversy Over Tinubu's State Of Emergency In Rivers State

The Ijaw Youth Council Slams Tinubu's Decision: A Move Labeled as Politically Motivated

Let me tell you what's going on in Nigeria right now. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is not holding back when it comes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. They're calling it out as unnecessary and politically driven. This isn't just a small issue—it's a big deal that's got everyone talking. In a bold statement on Tuesday, the IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, made it clear that there wasn't enough reason for such a drastic measure. He emphasized that the political crisis in Rivers State wasn't severe enough to justify this kind of action.

And here's the kicker—Theophilus didn't stop there. According to Naija News, he went on to accuse the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of deliberately stirring up the current conflict between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State. Theophilus claimed that Wike's ultimate goal was to gain control over Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The relationship between Fubara's administration and the state legislature has been nothing short of tumultuous.

Adding fuel to the fire, Theophilus pointed out the recent attack on the Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Ogoni, suggesting it was a calculated move by detractors to create an excuse for the state of emergency. He stated, "We will never accept the decision of Mr. President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This crisis has been engineered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. We urge the President to reconsider this decision."

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Continuing his passionate plea, Theophilus added, "It is unheard of for the President to declare a state of emergency in the 21st century when the crisis could still be peacefully resolved. While Governor Fubara has been advocating peace, Wike and the House of Assembly members have remained confrontational." Despite the rising tensions in the state, Theophilus urged Ijaw youths to maintain peace and appealed to President Tinubu to reverse his decision for the greater good of Rivers State.

Ijaw National Congress President Joins the Conversation

Benjamin Okaba Weighs In: A Constitutional Breach?

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Benjamin Okaba, also chimed in on the matter, criticizing the state of emergency declaration. He argued that it violated Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the proper procedure for declaring a state of emergency. According to Okaba, "The President was too hasty in declaring the state of emergency in Rivers State. The constitutional process was not followed."

Okaba didn't shy away from addressing Nyesom Wike's actions, either. He questioned, "What about Wike, who has repeatedly threatened to destabilize the state if the judiciary or legislature failed to remove Governor Fubara?" Okaba highlighted Wike's recent visit to Abalama with gunboats and armed soldiers, labeling it a provocative move. He remarked, "What federal project did he go there to commission? This was clearly a trap, and we refused to fall into it."

In conclusion, Okaba emphasized that the Ijaw nation would not remain silent. He warned, "At the right time, we will make our stance known." This is a powerful statement that shows just how serious the Ijaw community is about this issue. The situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, and all eyes are on how this controversy will be resolved.