Ijaw Leader Urges Tinubu To Lift Emergency Rule In Rivers, Hails Fubara’s Restraint

Joseph Ambakaderimo, a prominent Ijaw leader and Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State.

The call comes after the recent reconciliation between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which Ambakaderimo believes demonstrates a renewed commitment by both leaders to uphold constitutional governance and peace in the state.

In a statement issued to journalists, the Niger Delta elder statesman commended President Tinubu for facilitating dialogue between the rival camps, noting that the emergency rule declared on March 18 had served its immediate purpose but should now be lifted.

“We appeal to Mr. President to exercise his constitutional authority to withdraw the emergency measures, as the principal actors have shown readiness to collaborate for enduring stability,” he said.

Ambakaderimo acknowledged that Tinubu’s initial decision to suspend the governor, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly was harsh yet necessary to forestall further chaos. “Though it was widely criticized, sometimes extraordinary steps beyond constitutional norms are required to safeguard public order,” he stated.

He also criticized certain Ijaw leaders for allegedly worsening the crisis through ethnically charged narratives that transformed a political conflict into an ethnic confrontation, ultimately justifying the imposition of emergency rule.

“Their politicisation of the situation only deepened the rift and unfairly shifted blame onto the President instead of promoting dialogue,” he added, warning that further inflammatory comments could jeopardize the fragile peace.

Ambakaderimo urged stakeholders in Rivers to be cautious in their remarks to prevent any derailment of the peace process and the anticipated reinstatement of Governor Fubara.

He praised Fubara’s “mature leadership” and composure despite intense political pressure, urging all parties to sustain the current momentum toward restoring democratic institutions in the state.