Rivers State, Nigeria — Political leaders from the South-South region, especially governors, dey try fix the wahala wey dey affect Rivers State, after President Bola Tinubu declare state of emergency on March 18. Dis emergency measure, him talk, na to address the breakdown of governance caused by di fight between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and di da’lawmakers, plus plenty attacks on oil facilities within di state.
Di President suspend Fubara alongside im deputy, Ngozi Odu, and di House of Assembly members, bring in Ibok-Ette Ibas, retired Chief of Naval Staff, as di sole administrator. Dis action dey hinge on Section 305 of di Nigerian Constitution to back am. But critics dey argue say dis step fit lead to dictatorship.
Insiders for PresidenCcy talk sey di emergency rule na temporary solution to give both parties time to cool down and talk about dem issues. “Dis plan na to aid reconciliation and handle grievances,” one of di sources tell The PUNCH.
Governors and senators from di region dey actively work towards peace as dem plan to set up mediation panels. “Di essence of di emergency rule na to create space for parties to discuss,” one source said. Dem still confirm sey Ibas go get role to reconcile all sides.
Di House of Representatives dey prepare to announce a committee wey go manage di state’s House of Assembly affairs, Philip Agbese, di Deputy Spokesman, talk on top phone interview yesterday. Di National Assembly don ratify di emergency rule, even as critics argue sey di suspension of Fubara and di Assembly go against democratic principles.
Agbese assured sey dem dey focus on peace, saying, “We go soon make pronouncement on dis committee to address di issues dey plague Rivers.”
In di meantime, Lere Olayinka, aide to di FCT Minister, talk sey “no be Wike go decide dis crisis.” He criticize di rumors surrounding di minister’s involvement while urging for peace talks.
Suspended Governor Fubara finally show face on Sunday after weeks of being missing since di emergency declaration. He dey attend church service for Port Harcourt with top officials. Dis appearance bring relief to some who dey worry about his safety.
Fubara, through im Chief Press Secretary, confirm his presence for di church service, thanking God for keeping him safe amidst di ongoing political unrest.
Meanwhile, amidst di chaos, a gas pipeline explosion occur in Soku, sparking fears within di community. Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre don call for investigation as di cause remain unknown. “We go vigilant and investigate,” di organization’s Executive Director say. Community leaders don discredit initial reports linking di explosion to di gas plant, saying, “No explosion happen there, na pipeline issue.”
As di tension rise across di state, Ibas, di new administrator, don warn against violence and promised to restore order and peace under im watch. “There go be no room for lawlessness,” he insist. E beg di citizens to unite na future of di state dey hang in di balance.
Di National Assembly dey strictly support Tinubu’s emergency declaration despite opposition leaders call for resistance. Dem don urge di President to set up a panel of eminent Nigerians to mediate di conflict in Rivers, with hopes of finding a lasting solution.
As things dey unfold, stakeholders dey closely watch how di situation go play out. Dis emergency measure go last for six months but lawmakers don stress say di situation fit change if peace efforts yield rapid results.
