The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday has reignited calls for self-determination among the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people, expressed dissatisfaction with the move, describing it as a setback for the Ijaw community.
In a statement, Prof. Okaba said, “For Ijaw people, we are not too happy because we see this as another slap on us. However, our position will be deliberated upon in a wider stakeholders’ meeting that will be convened soon. In that meeting, I am sure the Ijaw people will assess how we have fared in the Nigerian project and explore the options available to advance our quest for self-determination.”
Okaba criticized the timing of the emergency rule, stating that President Tinubu had ample opportunity to address the underlying issues by calling Minister Nyesom Wike to order. He also questioned the rationale behind the decision, suggesting that it appeared to favor Wike’s interests rather than addressing the broader concerns of Rivers State residents.
The Ijaw leader emphasized that the emergency declaration was premature and failed to consider alternative solutions to the political crisis in the state. He reiterated the Ijaw people’s commitment to pursuing their rights and autonomy within the Nigerian federation.
Okay.ng reports that the INC’s planned stakeholders’ meeting is expected to bring together leaders, activists, and representatives from across the Ijaw nation to deliberate on the next steps in their pursuit of self-determination. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the political landscape of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
