A pro-democracy organization, the Coalition of Civil Society in Defence of Democracy, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a reconciliation committee within two weeks to address the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
This appeal follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for a six-month period.
Dr. Olayemi Isaacs, the group’s convener, expressed concern at a press conference in Abuja that the state of emergency would create a “superficial peace” and encourage involved parties to conceal their true intentions. He advocated for diplomatic solutions within a democratic framework to achieve lasting peace in the state.
The group criticized President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that it reinforces the negative influence of political godfathers by favoring former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They attributed the root of the Rivers State crisis to Wike’s alleged domineering and self-serving behavior.
The Coalition of Civil Society in Defence of Democracy demanded that President Tinubu appoint a panel of impartial and respected Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting factions in Rivers State. They stipulated that the mediation process must conclude within 60 days, allowing the state of emergency to be lifted within 90 days of its implementation.
The group warned that extending the state of emergency beyond 90 days would exacerbate the situation in Rivers State and potentially undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. They called for immediate action from President Tinubu to establish the reconciliation committee and initiate the resolution process.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to terminate the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State within 90 days of its proclamation,” Isaacs stated. “Prolonging it beyond this timeframe will worsen the state’s problems and endanger Nigeria’s democracy.”
“Furthermore, the Coalition of Civil Society in Defence of Democracy requests that President Tinubu, within 14 days, assemble a panel of neutral and esteemed Nigerians to mediate between the rival parties in the Rivers State crisis,” he continued. “The mediation must be finalized within 60 days to facilitate the lifting of the state of emergency within 90 days.”
“Finally, we implore political parties to restrain their members in states experiencing similar political conflicts to prevent President Tinubu from suspending democratic structures in additional regions of the country,” Isaacs concluded. “Failure to heed this advice may result in a significant reduction in states under democratic rule before the 2027 General Elections.”
