Bayelsa Governor Seeks Reconciliation Committee to Resolve Rivers Crisis
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Instead, Diri advocated for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the crisis, emphasizing that the Ijaw ethnic nationality is not in conflict with the President or the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The governor made this appeal at the Emergency Stakeholders' Congress of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in Yenagoa, where he stressed that the Rivers crisis can be resolved through dialogue. Diri also highlighted the Ijaw people's commitment to Nigeria's unity and progress, emphasizing their significant contributions to the country's development.
Diri urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to set up a reconciliation committee to intervene and restore peace in Rivers State. He emphasized that the Ijaw people are not at war with the Federal Government, but rather, they are seeking justice and fairness.
"We are not at war with the Federal Government, but we are seeking justice and fairness. We want to appeal to Mr. President to reconsider his stance on the state of emergency in Rivers State. We believe that dialogue and reconciliation are the best ways to resolve the crisis," Diri said.
The governor emphasized the Ijaw people's commitment to Nigeria's unity and progress, highlighting their significant contributions to the country's development. He noted that the Ijaw people have always been at the forefront of the struggle for Nigeria's independence and development.
"We have always been committed to Nigeria's unity and progress. We have made significant contributions to the country's development, and we will continue to do so. However, we also expect the Federal Government to recognize our rights and interests," Diri said.
In his remarks, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba emphasized the need for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the Rivers crisis. He noted that the Ijaw people are not troublemakers, but rather, they are seeking justice and fairness.
"We are not troublemakers, but we are seeking justice and fairness. We want to appeal to the Federal Government to listen to our grievances and address them. We are committed to peaceful resolution of the crisis, and we will continue to advocate for dialogue and reconciliation," Okaba said.
*Rights Activist's Remarks*
Rights activist Ms. Annkio Briggs also emphasized the need for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the Rivers crisis. She noted that the Ijaw people have always been at the forefront of the struggle for human rights and social justice.
"We have always been committed to the struggle for human rights and social justice. We will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of the Ijaw people, and we will not back down until justice is served," Briggs said.
The event was attended by prominent Ijaw leaders, including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the first military governor of Rivers State and current Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and other notable traditional rulers from across Ijawland.
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