STATE OF EMERGENCY, SUSPENSION OF ELECTED RIVERS STATE OFFICIALS UNFAIR, UNJUST, UNCONSTITUTIONAL – RIVERS ELDERS

The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum has expressed dismay at the turn of events in the state says after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 11, 2025. The Forum recalled that during that meeting, President Tinubu directed parties involved in the political dispute in the state to go home and work together on the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment. In a statement obtained by Newstrendsng.com, the Forum said that soon after the meeting with the President, the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, provoked the air, through a media chat, where he abused and threatened individuals, communities, and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. It said central to the abuse and tribal denigration by Nyesom Wike was the Ijaw Nation and the Pan-Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) just as he allegedly unleashed unprintable comments on individuals, including the revered late Chief Sen. Edwin Clark. The group said if there was any culprit who has inflamed the political atmosphere; to push it to this level, it is Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory. The Rivers Elders maintained that the explosions experienced in Gokana and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni had been predicted by the Minister during his recent media chats, when he said during his media chats: "What nonsense is that? Who told you Ogoni people cannot break pipelines? Who told you Ikwerre people cannot blow up pipelines? Who told you Ekpeye people cannot blow up pipelines?" They noted that the above statements were set up designed to create tension and disharmony; to create a perceived state of anarchy, and to make the President declare state of emergency in Rivers State. The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum said for Mr. President to single out Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the members of the Rivers State House Assembly for suspension, without taking any disciplinary action against his Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, for gross public misconduct, was a clear miscarriage of justice and it is condemnable. They also faulted the President's portrayal of Governor Fubara as non-compliant, while disregarding the misconduct of the 27 House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The fourteen-point statement by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum further reads: 8. At Abalama, Chief Nyesom Wike mobilized the full strength of the Nigerian military for a simple social event, despite the traditional institution in Kalabari kingdom rejecting the event and calling for all social gatherings on that corridor to be cancelled in the best interest of peace. This move raises questions about Chief Wike's priorities and respect for traditional authority and peace. 9. Furthermore, it's clear that the lawmakers' non-compliance with the President's directive is linked to Chief Barrister Wike's alleged influence, as they appear to be acting at his behest. 10. The President's broadcast described Rivers State as the "State without a Government" implying a complete absence of Government, law, and order. Regrettably, this characterization is quite misleading, especially considering the recent legislative activities in the state. Only last week, lawmakers hastily passed three bills and served the Governor and his Deputy with impeachment notices, which suggests that the arm of government is functioning thus confirming that government business is ongoing. 11. This move appears to be a tactical maneuver to discredit the Government, giving it a bad name to justify the imposition of a state of emergency. Unfortunately, the President's statement has misinformed the public, creating an inaccurate narrative about the situation in Rivers State. 12. The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum acknowledges with due regard, the President's authority to ensure peace and stability nationwide. However, it raises concerns when a key player in the crisis, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike is left untouched, unpunished, there by undermining the sacred principles of fairness and justice. 13. We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Bar Association, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pandef, INC, and other pro-democratic organizations and individuals across the country and beyond in condemning the unconstitutional, undemocratic, and uncivilized invasion of Rivers State. To this end, we urge all like-minded individuals who champion good over evil to recognize that the threat to one part of Nigeria today, may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow. We therefore invite all peaceful loving Nigerians to join us in this fight for social justice and political freedom. 14. Finally, we join the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in appealing for calm, orderliness and continued peace in Rivers State. May God bless and protect Rivers State and her people. Thank you. Signed: HE. Chief Rufus Ada George, CON, GSSRS. Former Governor of Rivers State and Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum. HE. Alabo Dr. Gabriel Toby, DSSRS Former Deputy Governor and Vice Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum Admiral O. P. Fingesi (Rtd). Former Member, Armed Forces Ruling Council. Dist. Sen. Bennett Birabi. Dist. Sen. Andrew Uchendu, OON, NPM. Ms. Annkio Briggs... HRH. Alabo Prof. Emeritus Dagogo