Tinubu Urged To Lift Emergency Rule As Peace Returns In Rivers

Tinubu Urged To Lift Emergency Rule As Peace Returns In Rivers.
Peace now restored between Fubara and Wike.
Warns against politicisation and inflammatory statements.

A prominent Ijaw leader and Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Joseph Ambakaderimo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift the state of emergency in Rivers State following the recent peace agreement between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Ambakaderimo commended the President for successfully brokering peace between both factions, noting that the resolution indicates a renewed commitment by both leaders to restore constitutional governance and democratic order in the state.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released to journalists, the Niger Delta elder statesman acknowledged that the emergency rule declared on March 18 achieved its purpose but should now be discontinued.

“We appeal to the President to exercise his constitutional powers to lift the emergency rule, as the parties involved have demonstrated genuine intent to work together for lasting peace,” Ambakaderimo stated.

He described President Tinubu’s earlier decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly as a “drastic but necessary” step to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

“Although the declaration of emergency rule was widely criticized, sometimes difficult decisions outside constitutional norms are required to safeguard public peace,” he said.

Ambakaderimo, however, faulted some Ijaw leaders for allegedly worsening the crisis through political narratives and ethnic bias. He accused them of transforming a political dispute into an ethnic confrontation, which contributed to the emergency declaration.

“Their approach diverted attention from peaceful solutions and instead focused on attacking the President,” he added.

He warned that continuous politicisation of the issue could threaten the fragile peace and the progress made so far.

The SSRG convener urged all stakeholders in Rivers State to show restraint in their public remarks, stressing that inflammatory statements could derail efforts to restore democratic structures.

“We must watch our words and avoid actions that could disrupt the peace process or the reinstatement of Governor Fubara,” he cautioned.