Niger Delta Leaders Urge Fair Treatment Amidst Rivers State Political Crisis
In response to the current political turbulence in Rivers State, leaders and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have jointly called on President Bola Tinubu to approach the situation with a fair and unbiased stance. Their plea highlights concerns about selective justice and calls for a balanced resolution to the crisis that has gripped the region.
A Call for Justice and Equality
During a significant gathering at the Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, key figures from various ethnic backgrounds urged President Tinubu to ensure that the handling of Rivers State’s political issues is devoid of favoritism. According to The Whistler Newspaper, the emphasis was on fostering unity and equality across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscape.
Inter Ethnic Cooperation: A Pathway to Peace
The conference underscored the importance of inter-ethnic cooperation and harmony, focusing on the roles of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in the crisis. The call for Wike’s suspension was a central theme due to his controversial remarks about the Ijaw nation, further enflaming tensions in the region.
Seeking Stability Amidst Strife
Professor Benjamin Okaba of the Ijaw National Congress warned of the dangers of favoritism in political dealings, stressing the historical struggles faced by the Ijaw people. He encouraged strategic actions to uphold the integrity and dignity of the Ijaw nation, the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.
Advocacy for the Ijaw Nation
Emphasizing the need for proactive regional policies, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Pioneer President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, advocated for a definitive Ijaw and Niger Delta agenda. His remarks highlighted the essential role of the Ijaw people in the broader political spectrum and the necessity of advocating for their rights and resources.
Urgent Calls for Resolving the Crisis
The suspension of key political figures in Rivers State raises concerns about escalating tensions and potential volatility in inter-ethnic relationships. Leaders emphasized the urgency for President Tinubu to take decisive action in resolving the crisis, ensuring peace and harmony in the Niger Delta.
Respect and Fair Treatment: A National Imperative
Comrade Blessed Ughere, President of the Urhobo Progress Union, reminded all present that the Niger Delta’s contributions to national development merit respect and fair treatment. The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and dignity of the Ijaw people amidst Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
As the nation looks to its leaders for guidance, the calls for justice, equality, and stability echo across the Niger Delta, urging a peaceful and fair resolution to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
