Anderson Cooper’s Take On Nigeria's Political Drama: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers State

Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Sparks Debate: What the Ijaw People Think

When President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State earlier this week, it didn’t just spark political conversations—it reignited calls for self-determination among the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta. This decision has left many Ijaw leaders and citizens questioning their place within Nigeria’s complex political landscape.

Let me break it down for you. Prof Benjamin Okaba, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), spoke out against the decision in an interview with Vanguard. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. “For Ijaw people, we’re not happy with this move. It feels like another slap in the face. But we’re not done yet. We’ll deliberate on this in a broader stakeholders’ meeting that’s coming up,” he explained.

In that meeting, Okaba believes the Ijaw people will reflect on their journey within Nigeria and explore what options they have moving forward. “We need to figure out where we stand in this Nigerian project and how we can push for the self-determination we’ve been longing for,” he emphasized.

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Was the Decision Too Hasty? Okaba Weighs In

Prof Okaba didn’t hold back when critiquing the swiftness of President Tinubu’s declaration. “It’s a rushed decision. The President had plenty of chances to handle this differently. He could’ve addressed the situation by reining in his minister, Nyesom Wike, who’s been a major player in this mess,” Okaba pointed out.

And let’s not forget Wike’s bold statements. According to Okaba, Wike made it clear that he’d make governance impossible for Governor Siminalayi Fubara if she didn’t play by his rules. Wike even went as far as demanding control over all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State and asking Fubara to sign an agreement that she wouldn’t run for office in 2027. Sounds like a power play, doesn’t it?

Power Struggles and Political Maneuvering

Okaba accused Wike of being more interested in consolidating power and resources than serving the people of Rivers State. “The governor was elected to deliver sustainable development. She can’t just sell out her mandate because Wike wants to get his way. That’s not fair to the people who put their trust in her,” he argued.

Furthermore, Okaba insisted that the state of emergency shouldn’t just target one side of the conflict. “If we’re going to fix this, Wike and all federal appointees from the state need to go. If they stay, they’ll only use their positions to stir up more trouble and benefit themselves,” he warned.

Okaba also alleged that Wike deliberately orchestrated the crisis to justify the state of emergency. “We saw it coming. Wike knew the judiciary and the House of Assembly wouldn’t act fast enough, so he created chaos to force Tinubu’s hand. It’s a calculated move,” he concluded.

Mixed Reactions from Other Voices

Miakpor Emiaso, a retired President of the Delta State Customary Court, had mixed feelings about the situation. “It’s unfortunate, but maybe unavoidable. We’re in a tricky spot in Rivers State,” he admitted.

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Emiaso pointed out what he saw as the president’s political bias in declaring the state of emergency. “Notice how Tinubu didn’t mention the speaker’s name or acknowledge the external influences behind the crisis in his broadcast? That’s telling,” he observed.

He also criticized the six-month duration of the state of emergency, especially with a retired military officer appointed as the sole administrator. “Six months is a long time, especially when you’re putting a former military officer in charge. Is that really the best solution?” he questioned.

Shocked Reactions from the Ijaw Youth Council

Dr. Chris Ekyor, the former president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), was taken aback by the state of emergency declaration. “It came as a shock. It seems like the president is bending to Wike’s will,” he remarked.

Ekyor questioned the legality of the defection of 27 lawmakers and the judicial ruling that validated their actions. He also criticized Wike’s treatment of the Ijaw people. “Wike disrespected us in Abuja during a media event. Then he came to our homeland, used tear gas on our women and children, and asked, ‘How many of them are there?’ That’s unacceptable,” he said.

Ekyor drew a comparison to a past situation involving former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu. “Back in the day, Tinubu opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and no state of emergency was declared. Why now?” he asked.

Concerns About Political Instability

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate, expressed concerns about the potential instability caused by the state of emergency. “Political conflicts used to be driven by ideology and national interest, but now it’s all about ego and power games. This is a worrying shift in Nigeria’s political culture,” he stated.

Hashim warned against using extreme measures without careful consideration. “Nigeria is a diverse nation with deep fault lines. Declaring a state of emergency should be done cautiously to avoid worsening political and social tensions,” he advised.

He praised the House of Representatives for stepping in to oversee the sole administrator in Rivers State. “Their decision underscores the importance of constitutional order and legislative oversight,” he added.

A Call for Unity and Development

Hashim concluded by urging political leaders to focus on the bigger picture. “Nigeria needs development and stability, not endless power struggles. Leaders must rise above personal disputes and work toward governance that brings peace, progress, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.

So there you have it, folks. The situation in Rivers State is complex, emotional, and fraught with political maneuvering. As we watch how things unfold, let’s hope for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the people over personal ambitions.