A pro-democracy group, the Coalition of Civil Society in Defence of Democracy, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a reconciliation committee within 14 days to address the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. This appeal follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
During a press conference in Abuja, the group’s convener, Dr. Olayemi Isaacs, expressed concerns that the state of emergency might lead to a “forced peace” and allow political factions to conceal their true intentions. He emphasized that genuine peace in Rivers State can only be achieved through reconciliatory measures taken in a democratic context.
The Coalition criticized the president’s decision to declare a state of emergency, arguing that it supports corrupt political practices by favoring former Governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Tinubu’s cabinet. They contend that Wike’s actions have contributed significantly to the crisis in Rivers State.
The group has demanded that President Tinubu appoint a panel of non-partisan eminent Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting parties in Rivers State. They insist that these mediation efforts should be completed within 60 days, allowing for the state of emergency to be lifted within 90 days of its declaration. The Coalition warned that extending the state of emergency beyond this period could exacerbate the situation and threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
