Ijaw Elder Breaks Silence, Demands Tinubu Halts Rivers Emergency Rule Now

Ambakaderimo, in a statement to journalists, applauded the President for facilitating peace between the opposing factions, saying the move demonstrates both leaders’ renewed commitment to upholding constitutional governance and restoring democratic stability in the state.

The Niger Delta elder statesman acknowledged that while the emergency rule—declared on March 18—was initially necessary to preserve order, the current situation now warrants a return to normalcy.

“We urge the President to exercise his constitutional authority by lifting the emergency rule, given that both sides have shown sincere willingness to collaborate for enduring peace,” Ambakaderimo stated.

He defended the President’s earlier actions, including the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, describing them as “tough but unavoidable decisions made in the interest of public peace.”

Ambakaderimo, however, criticized some Ijaw leaders, accusing them of aggravating the crisis by pushing ethnic narratives that politicized what was originally a political dispute.

“Their divisive rhetoric transformed a simple political disagreement into an ethnic confrontation, which partly triggered the emergency declaration. Rather than promoting peace, they unfairly targeted the President,” he remarked.

He warned that continuing along such lines could sabotage the fragile peace being restored in the state.

Ambakaderimo called on all stakeholders to be cautious in their public statements, warning that provocative comments could derail the efforts to reestablish democratic governance and restore Governor Fubara’s full mandate.

“We must be mindful of our words and actions to protect the peace process and ensure the governor’s full reinstatement,” he advised.

He also commended Governor Fubara for displaying “maturity and calm leadership” amid intense political pressure and provocation.