Again, Diri calls for dialogue to resolve Rivers crisis
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and instead establish a reconciliation committee to address the ongoing political crisis.
Speaking at the Emergency Stakeholders’ Congress of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Diri stressed the need for dialogue to resolve the crisis and restore peace in Rivers State.
He urged the President and the National Assembly to set up a committee of eminent personalities to mediate and reinstate the legally constituted government.
Diri said:
“Again, l restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for people of Rivers State. l urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities that will immediately intervene and bring back peace and the constituted government of Rivers State back to office.
“The South-South Governors’ Forum, of which I am chairman, had urged the President to reconsider his stance and allow for dialogue among the parties.
“However, let me be unequivocal. The Ijaw nation is not in conflict with the Federal Government nor do we have any dispute with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The governor, who chairs the South-South Governors’ Forum, reiterated the forum’s position that dialogue remains the best approach and clarified that the Ijaw ethnic group is not in conflict with the Federal Government or President Tinubu.
While stating the Ijaw people’s commitment to national unity and development, Diri cautioned against external manipulation and urged them to approach the situation with wisdom.
He said:
“Today, we must again draw from the fountain of wisdom. It is imperative that we resist being manipulated and refuse to be drawn into a conflict orchestrated by desperate people propagating their agenda. We must approach every situation with discernment, ensuring that our actions align with long-term goals rather than short-term interests.
“Our contributions —political, economic, and environmental — are undeniable. We should continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and inclusivity within a united Nigeria. I urge all Ijaws, especially our vibrant youths, to exercise restraint, maintain peace, and steer clear of actions that could escalate tensions. Our future is best secured through engagement, dialogue, and strategic partnerships.
“Let us continue to build a harmonious and prosperous Ijaw nation and, by extension, the Niger Delta. However, while we embrace peace, let no one mistake our pacifist approach for cowardice. We are a people of indomitable spirit, forged by history, rich with courage and stamina. Our heritage is outstanding and we will defend our collective dignity against any form of denigration.”
In his remarks, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, condemned any move to impose emergency rule or suspend the elected government in Rivers State, describing it as an attack on democratic principles and the people’s mandate.
Okaba noted that Ijaws in Rivers have been denied the governorship position for over two decades, calling it a fundamental challenge to constitutional rights and fairness.
Human rights activist, Ms. Annkio Briggs, also addressed the gathering, recalling the historical struggles of Ijaw leaders and urging the current generation to uphold their legacy.
Briggs commended those who have stood with Rivers State since Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s swearing-in in 2023, describing their support as a demonstration of Ijaw unity.
The meeting was attended by notable Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; first military governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George.
Others were the former deputy governor of the state, Gabriel Tobi, a former deputy governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali, president Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.
