South-South Leader Urges Tinubu to Lift Rivers Emergency

As calm gradually returns to Rivers State following months of political turbulence, prominent Ijaw elder and South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) Convener, Joseph Ambakaderimo, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally end the state of emergency in the state.

His appeal comes in the wake of the recently brokered peace between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—a development widely regarded as a positive turning point in the prolonged political crisis.

Ambakaderimo commended President Tinubu’s bold and timely intervention, attributing the restoration of peace to the President’s leadership. According to him, the truce between the two political figures reflects a sincere intention to restore democratic governance and unity in Rivers State.

“With both parties now committed to reconciliation, we urge the President to invoke his constitutional authority to lift the emergency rule,” he stated. “This will allow the people of Rivers State to return to democratic normalcy and move forward.”

Reflecting on the events that led to the President’s declaration of emergency rule on March 18—suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly—Ambakaderimo acknowledged the controversy surrounding the decision. However, he defended the move as a necessary intervention that prevented the situation from spiraling out of control.

“While unconventional, such decisions are sometimes vital to preserving peace. The President acted in the nation’s interest to halt a growing crisis,” he said.

He, however, took issue with some Ijaw leaders whom he accused of exacerbating the conflict by politicizing the matter and framing it along ethnic lines. Ambakaderimo criticized their failure to encourage dialogue, instead choosing to vilify the President and escalate tensions.

“Their actions transformed a manageable political disagreement into an ethnic standoff, contributing to the need for emergency measures,” he noted. “Rather than seek resolution, they chose to stoke division.”

Calling for responsible conduct going forward, the elder statesman urged all stakeholders to support the peace process and avoid inflammatory language that could undermine recent progress.

“We must be careful with our words and actions. Any reckless behavior could jeopardize the fragile peace and delay Governor Fubara’s full reinstatement,” he cautioned.

Ambakaderimo also praised Governor Fubara for demonstrating restraint and a commitment to peace despite the political challenges. He described him as “an emerging elder statesman” whose mature approach to conflict resolution sets a commendable example.

Ambakaderimo emphasized the importance of collective effort in sustaining peace in Rivers State. He encouraged continued support for President Tinubu’s efforts to stabilize the region and restore democratic order.