State of Emergency: IHRC Calls For Stability, Peaceful Resolution In Rivers

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The International Human Rights Commission – IHRC Corporation in Nigeria has called on Nigerians, particularly the good people of Rivers State to prioritise peaceful resolution within the six-month window of the state of emergency over political rivalries.

In an official statement on Monday, the IHRC Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Dr. Duru Hezekiah, expressed deep regret over the intensified political crisis among contending parties in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While emphasising the organization’s commitment to democratic governance, which posits that community development is contingent upon peace and stability, IHRC commended the strategic decision aimed at preventing further instability.

Hezekiah noted that peace enables governments to prioritise education, healthcare, and social welfare programs that benefit citizens, pointing out that such progress was already under threat and emphasising that the state’s development ought to be prioritised over political competition.

According to him, peace is essential for economic growth, development, and stability, particularly in the context of political rivalries. “It promotes economic benefits, political stability, social benefits, and environmental benefits, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and secure world.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on March 18, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State as a vital step to restore stability following a protracted political crisis that paralyzed governance in the state and threatened national economic security for over 15 months, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator.

The President further disclosed that the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. Hence, the emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.

Tinubu said, “The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023.”

The President affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

Responding to concerns expressed by meaningful Nigerians, Dr Duru Hezekiah observed that the concerns raised by various Nigerians regarding the state of emergency proclamation demonstrate exemplary patriotism, highlighting the achievements possible when leaders are united by a sense of purpose and patriotism.

He urged the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas to prioritise initiatives that foster peace, security, and human rights, ultimately enhancing human development outcomes and enabling individuals and communities to live free from fear of violence or conflict.

Dr Hezekiah reiterated that the Nigerian constitution should be revered above individual decisions, and in the interest of peace, advising aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts, the beacon of hope for the common man, requesting President Tinubu to harness his leadership wisdom to restore peace to the state.