Rivers State Crisis: Ijaw leaders and others advocate for peace and amicable settlement

Various traditional rulers, Ijaw elders, and groups are emphasizing the need for a peaceful and amicable resolution to the political crisis in Rivers State. This crisis revolves around alleged impeachment plans against the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Key figures, such as the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Second Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress, Chief Nengi James, and organizations like the Citizens for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (CSDND) and the Ijaw National Development Group (INDG), also referred to as the Ijaw People’s Assembly (IPA), agree that all parties involved in the conflict must work towards a peaceful resolution, keeping the well-being of the people of Rivers State as the priority.

James Okpara, the National Coordinator of CSDND, expressed concerns about political actors engaging in power struggles and conflicts that could lead to chaos in the state. He called upon elders and political leaders, including Chief Nyosome Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to intervene and put an immediate stop to the crisis.

The INDG also appealed to the political actors in Rivers State to prioritize the interests of the people before taking any action against the elected Governor.

King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa LG, urged the warring factions involved in the crisis to cease hostilities for the sake of the people.

He emphasized the importance of serving the people and stated that any agreement or oath taken must be in line with the best interests of the people of Rivers State. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that law enforcement agencies in Rivers State adhere to their responsibilities and provide constitutional protection.

Second Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress, Chief Nengi James, urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm and support Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He stated that the governor is in the early stages of his term and has already initiated developmental plans without any conflict with the people of Rivers State. He emphasized that both parties involved should avoid further confrontations, and Rivers State should not be among the states declaring a state of emergency.