State of Emergency: “Ijaw Will Meet to Decide on Self-Determination” – INC President

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 has reignited calls for self-determination among the Ijaw people, with their apex socio-cultural body, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), announcing plans to convene a critical meeting to assess their future in Nigeria.

INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, speaking to Newsmen, confirmed that the Ijaw nation will soon gather to deliberate on the implications of the federal action and decide on their next steps.

“For Ijaw people, we are not too happy because we see this as another slap on us. Our position will be deliberated upon in a wider stakeholders’ meeting that will be convened later,” he said. “In that meeting, I am sure the Ijaw people will look at how we have fared in this Nigerian project and what options are left to drive home our quest for self-determination.”

Okaba criticized the President’s decision as hasty and one-sided, accusing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being the architect of the crisis in Rivers State. He said Wike had made open threats to frustrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara unless given full control of local governments and a commitment not to contest in 2027.

“He wants to turn Rivers State into his property, and the people are the ones to suffer. The President should have addressed this by removing everyone involved, not just Fubara,” Okaba stated.

Legal and political voices have also raised alarm. Retired Delta judge, Miakpor Emiaso, said the president’s declaration carried political bias, especially in failing to acknowledge Wike’s role in the crisis. He also questioned the six-month timeline and the appointment of a retired military officer to oversee the state.

Dr. Chris Ekiyor, former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, condemned the emergency rule as unjust and a reward for Wike’s provocation. “Wike insulted our people, attacked women and children with tear gas, and openly sought to destabilize the state. Yet, the President has punished the victims, not the aggressor,” he said.

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, described the situation as a troubling departure from issue-based politics. “This is not about ideology or national interest—it’s a dangerous power struggle. Nigeria needs development and stability, not ego-driven conflicts,” he warned.

He called on President Tinubu to apply wisdom and fairness in resolving the crisis, adding that the National Assembly should provide oversight of the administrator appointed to manage the state.

The Nigerian Bar Association and the PDP Governors’ Forum have also criticized the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers, warning it could undermine Nigeria’s federal system.