Rivers Elders Slam State of Emergency, Call for Wike’s Suspension

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has vehemently opposed the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labelling it “unfair, unjust, and unconstitutional”.

The forum’s chairman, Rufus Ada-George, presented the group’s stance on the declaration and and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The group criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months, arguing that it disproportionately targeted the governor while ignoring Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike’s alleged role in escalating tensions.

“For Mr. President to single out Gov. Sim Fubara and the Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for suspension, without taking any disciplinary action on his Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, is a clear miscarriage of justice and it is condemnable,” the elders stated.

The Forum pointed out that Governor Fubara had made several attempts to present the state budget, but was blocked by lawmakers. They argued that the President’s portrayal of the governor as non-compliant was misleading.

The elders also referenced Wike’s previous remarks during a media chat, in which he allegedly incited violence: “What nonsense is that? Who told you Ogoni people cannot break pipelines? Who told you Ikwerre people cannot blow up pipelines?”

The group claimed these statements were intended to create chaos and justify federal intervention.

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum called for Wike’s suspension, stating, “If Gov. Fubara and the lawmakers are facing a six-month suspension, it’s only fair and just that Chief Barr. Wike should also face a similar six-month suspension.”

The forum stood in solidarity with organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), urging Nigerians to recognize the broader implications of the crisis.

“A threat to one part of Nigeria today may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow,” the group said.

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum appealed for calm and reaffirmed its commitment to peace and constitutional governance. Anabs Sara Igbe, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed concern about Governor Fubara’s safety, as his whereabouts are currently unknown.