Advert
Ijaw Leaders to Meet, Consider Status Following Rivers State Emergency Rule
By Divine Perezide
The recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has reignited discussions among the Ijaw ethnic group summon an extraordinary expanded Executive Council Meeting in Izon-Ware, Yenagoa. The meeting is billed to hold on March 26, 2025.
Speaking to Vanguard, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), expressed the Ijaw people’s disappointment over the development, describing it as yet another blow to their community.
> “For Ijaw people, we are not too happy because we see this as another slap on us. But again, our position will be deliberated upon in a wider stakeholders’ meeting that will be convened later.”
According to him, this upcoming meeting will allow the Ijaw people to assess their participation in Nigeria’s political structure and explore possible paths toward self-determination.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Decision
Okaba argued that the state of emergency was premature and that President Tinubu missed an opportunity to heed public calls to address the actions of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
> “We say it is hasty because the President has so much opportunity to leverage on the calls made by Nigerians from all quarters to call his minister, Nyesom Wike, to order.”
He further accused Wike of being the main instigator of the political crisis in Rivers State, citing statements in which the minister allegedly vowed to obstruct Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration unless his demands were met.
> “Secondly, while Wike himself has been the antagonist, he had boldly stated that he would make governance impossible for the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in as much as he does not dance to his tune.
“In a recent statement credited to him, he (Wike) said the two conditions he must meet are: ‘Allow him to control all the LGAs in Rivers State, and that he (Fubara) should sign an agreement that he would not contest in 2027.’”
Okaba described Wike’s actions as an attempt to dominate state resources and turn Rivers State into his personal domain, warning that the people would ultimately suffer the consequences.
Call for Wike’s Removal
Okaba criticized President Tinubu for allowing Wike to remain in office while Governor Fubara was sacked, calling it an unfair and imbalanced decision.
> “I said it is lopsided—why will you leave Wike and sack Sim? The best thing is to remove everybody who played a role in this.
“Wike has to be sacked, and all the federal appointees from the state also have to be sacked because if you do not sack them, they will use their positions to perpetrate more crises and create more advantageous roles for themselves.”
He also argued that Wike had long been preparing for an emergency rule scenario, using political and judicial maneuvers to trigger chaos in Rivers State.
> “The other issue in this state of emergency is that we have seen right from the beginning that the declaration was one of the options Wike was looking at. He felt if the judiciary cannot remove him quickly; if the House of Assembly could not take him off; then the next option is to create a chaotic situation so that an emergency can be imposed on the state.”
Legal and Political Reactions
Miakpor Emiaso, a retired Delta State Customary Court President, called the emergency declaration an unfortunate but inevitable decision. However, he pointed out political bias in the President’s speech.
> “Apart from a few underlying misgivings that I have, it was inevitable. I mean that something had to give way. The way the gladiators in Rivers State were going, we could not continue like that, ridiculing the entire government apparatus and even embarrassing the judiciary as a fallout.
“My misgivings are one; the president’s language declaring the state of emergency has some subtle political bias. If you noticed, the president never mentioned the name of the speaker in the broadcast, nor did he refer to the well-known external influence on the House of Assembly, which is the origin of this crisis.”
He further noted that Wike’s influence over Rivers politics had not been addressed in the emergency rule decision.
> “As it is now, the state of emergency seems to have given thumbs up for vaunting godfatherism because you could say that now that the president has gone this way, he has not mentioned the external influence, especially Wike, who is the origin of all these. This shows that he has a bias that he needs to cure.
“If the President wants to be viewed as fair, he should move Wike from where he is now; otherwise, Wike will not keep quiet. He will try to reach the administrator to influence him in one way or another.”
Additionally, he criticized the six-month duration of the emergency rule, arguing that it was excessive, especially given that a retired military officer had been appointed to oversee the state.
> “Again, I say that the six-month state of emergency is excessive. It is too long, especially when you drafted a retired military officer to run the state as an administrator.”
IYC’s Reaction to the Emergency Rule
Dr. Chris Ekyor, former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, expressed shock over the declaration, suggesting that it made the President appear as if he was acting on Wike’s directives.
> “The state of emergency came to me as a rude shock. It gives the impression that the president is answerable to his minister.”
He also questioned the legality of the 27 lawmakers’ defection and its implications under the Electoral Act.
> “I’m concerned about how the judges ruled that the 27 members are legitimate members of the House after defecting and breaching the law. The real problem in Nigeria is the court delivering fair justice.”
According to Ekyor, if the judiciary had acted impartially, the Rivers crisis would have been resolved long before escalating to this level.
He further condemned Wike’s alleged disrespect toward the Ijaw people.
> “Wike left the issues and threatened the entire Ijaw people over a mere disagreement with his candidate, who became governor of Rivers State. How does that concern the rest of the Ijaw people?
“He insulted Ijaw in Abuja at a media parley. Then he came to the heart of Ijaw land, shot at our women and children with tear gas, and further insulted us by asking, ‘How many dem dey?’”
Ekyor emphasized that the Ijaw people had deliberately avoided responding with violence to prevent further escalation, suggesting that Wike had manipulated events to push for emergency rule.
> “We did not respond with violence to allow peace to reign, knowing that his goal was to cause the president to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.”
Comparing Past Precedents
Ekyor compared Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers crisis to past instances where no state of emergency was declared despite serious conflicts.
> “President Tinubu rebelled against the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, between 2003 and 2007, as the governor of Lagos State. No state of emergency was declared on him. Under President Yar’Adua, Atlas Cove was blown in 2009; no state of emergency in Lagos?”
He also questioned the reasoning behind blaming Governor Fubara for recent security incidents, suggesting that the Joint Task Force (JTF) should have been able to prevent such occurrences.
> “How did the president conclude that Fubara is behind the explosions in Rivers State? Why does he not think it is those fighting him? Is there no Joint Task Force, JTF, securing the pipelines anymore? Why is the government spending heavily on pipeline security? Is there any breakdown of law and order in the state to warrant what the president did?”
With tensions rising, Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue discussions on their future in Nigeria and the possibility of self-determination.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.
By Favour Bibaikefie
WARRI — A Niger Delta stakeholder, Comrade Seikorowei Victor, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to public service continues to inspire many.
In a goodwill message made available to journalists, Victor praised Tompolo’s enduring dedication to the development of the Niger Delta and the nation at large, noting that his leadership has remained impactful over the years.
“My dear brother, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, witnessing your tireless commitment to public service makes me truly proud. You are a visionary leader whose dedication to the Niger Delta and the entire nation inspires us all,” he stated.
The commendation comes as Tompolo marks another year, with tributes pouring in from associates, stakeholders, and admirers across the region, many of whom have acknowledged his role in promoting peace, security, and economic stability in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Victor further offered prayers for continued strength and success for the revered Ijaw leader, expressing optimism that his contributions to national development would yield even greater results in the years ahead.
“May your new age bring you greater wisdom, strength, and remarkable success in your national assignment. Keep shining the light. Happy birthday, my brother,” he added.
High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, a prominent figure in the Niger Delta, has continued to receive widespread recognition for his leadership and role in advancing stability and protecting critical oil infrastructure in the region.
As celebrations continue, stakeholders have reiterated the need to sustain the gains achieved through collaborative efforts in the Niger Delta, while commending Tompolo’s unwavering commitment to service and leadership.