Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria and African Union of Journalists, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State, warning of its dire consequences. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Ogundipe expressed deep concern over the decision, describing it as ill-advised and detrimental to national stability.
He stated: “This is unbelievable. Why would Mr. President allow such a dark cloud to descend upon the nation with the sudden declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State? On whose advice is he acting? This is a move that could spiral into a serious catastrophe.”
Ogundipe questioned whether the cost of such a proclamation had been properly assessed. He argued that a political solution, rather than emergency powers, was the best course of action, urging the President to use his authority to mediate and restore order impartially.
“Mr. President, your courage and boldness are misplaced in this instance. Please do not succumb to the influence of political adversaries who might be steering you towards this decision. It is a step backward. Rivers State is in the Niger Delta region, an economic hub vital to our national revenue. Any instability there could severely impact the country’s economy,” he warned.
Ogundipe emphasized that Nigeria’s oil sector is already facing challenges on the international stage, and any further unrest in Rivers State could deter investors, who might relocate their assets to more stable regions. He reminded the President of the Niger Delta insurgencies during the Buhari administration, which nearly drove Nigeria into recession, reducing oil production from 2.5 million barrels per day to below 400,000 barrels per day.
He further noted that the Buhari administration managed to stabilize the situation through diplomatic and administrative strategies. However, should the crisis in Rivers State escalate, it could lead to sabotage of oil infrastructure, reducing production and worsening the nation’s economic difficulties.
Ogundipe urged the President to focus on regions that genuinely require emergency declarations, such as parts of Northern Nigeria where banditry, kidnapping, and insurgencies continue to pose serious security threats.
“If this decision stands, we risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities, all of which will cripple our economy. The current economic hardship is already unbearable; Nigeria cannot afford further turmoil.”
He also highlighted the implications for democracy, warning that suspending democratic governance in a state could send the wrong message to those accused of undermining democracy. He specifically called for the removal of a minister involved in the Rivers State crisis, asserting that such a figure should not be allowed to remain in office.
In his final plea, Ogundipe urged President Tinubu to reconsider his stance:
“With grave concern, I implore you to reverse this proclamation. The Fourth Republic must not go the way of past crises. The crisis of 1962 began similarly before it escalated beyond control. A word is enough for the wise, Mr. President—swift action is required to prevent further deterioration.”
