Intervention Sought in Rivers Crisis: Reasons Ohanaeze and Ijaw Youths Call on Tinubu and Clark
Authors: Raphael Ede and Dennis Naku
On Thursday, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, a leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and address the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, specifically asking him to control the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a similar vein, the Ijaw Young Professionals Association called upon elder statesman and Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Chief Edwin Clark, to facilitate peace talks between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule.
These appeals come amid escalating violence in Rivers State, raising alarm among stakeholders about potential repercussions.
The conflict between Governor Fubara and his former mentor, ex-Governor Wike, has left the political environment deeply divided, with their respective supporters embroiled in a struggle for supremacy.
While the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers and the dismissed local government chairmen loyal to Wike have sought judicial support, the pro-Fubara Assembly and newly appointed caretaker chairmen have also demonstrated their power.
Initially, President Tinubu had intervened, bringing both factions to Abuja for a peace meeting, during which an agreement was signed to resolve the crisis. However, this intervention did not achieve lasting peace.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing once again called on Tinubu to step in, expressing fears of imminent chaos. National Publicity Secretary Chika Adiele said, “We are concerned about the impending disorder and efforts to disrupt Governor Fubara’s people-oriented projects. The bold actions of the ousted chairmen and their agents to obstruct government operations at local headquarters are alarming.”
Adiele emphasized, “There’s an Igbo saying that reminds us, ‘If the oracle misbehaves, it will be reminded that it was carved from wood.’ Nigeria is a constitutional democracy; no one should act as a deity in human affairs.”
Similarly, the Ijaw youths highlighted Clark’s influential role, warning that the crisis could destabilize the entire region if not managed properly. IYPA President Abiye Achepeka, speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said, “We appreciate Pa Clark’s efforts to urge the President for peace in Rivers State amidst the political turmoil. While protecting an Ijaw son as governor, we must also consider the Ijaw legislators whose positions are at risk.”
Achepeka appealed, “We urge Pa Clark to mediate between the governor and the Assembly members. His proximity to the Niger Delta and Rivers people makes him more accessible than the President for this mediation.”
