The Coalition of Civil Society in Defence of Democracy urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to resolve Rivers State’s political crisis through reconciliation.
They demanded immediate action by proposing a mediation committee tasked with brokering peace between the warring factions within 14 days.
In Abuja, convener Dr. Olayemi Isaacs condemned the state of emergency. He warned that it enforces “forced peace” while neglecting the underlying tensions. “True stability requires dialogue, not authoritarian measures,” he asserted, establishing a link between democratic engagement and lasting solutions.
Moreover, the Coalition urged President Tinubu to appoint non-partisan leaders to mediate conflicts within 60 days. They also urged him to lift the emergency within 90 days. They cautioned that extending the emergency risks inflaming unrest and undermining Nigeria’s democracy. “Prolonged emergencies erode trust in governance,” Isaacs stressed.
Additionally, the group accused Tinubu of favoring former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as FCT Minister. They claimed this perpetuates a cycle of corrupt political godfatherism.
This bias, they argued, weakens institutions and entrenches undemocratic practices nationwide. “Presidential partiality sabotages fair conflict resolution,” Isaacs declared.
Additionally, the Coalition warned political parties to address internal disputes swiftly to prevent democratic breakdowns in other states. Failure to act, they noted, could justify suspending governance structures ahead of the 2027 elections. “Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance,” Isaacs emphasized.
Reiterating demands, the Coalition pressed Tinubu to prioritize reconciliation over emergency rule, ensuring Rivers’ crisis doesn’t destabilize national politics. They highlighted mediation’s role in fostering accountability and transparency, urging inclusive talks to address grievances.
Isaacs further criticized Tinubu’s approach as counterproductive, arguing it emboldens elites while marginalizing citizens. “Leadership must rise above partisan loyalties,” he insisted, linking the crisis to broader governance failures.
The group also urged civil society and citizens to hold leaders accountable, resisting authoritarian overreach. “Silence normalizes oppression,” Isaacs warned, advocating grassroots mobilization to defend democratic values.
Responding to the appeal, activists and legal experts echoed calls for neutrality, stressing mediators must lack ties to rival factions. “Credibility hinges on impartiality,” a lawyer noted, urging transparency in committee selection.
Public reactions remain divided, with some backing Tinubu’s emergency declaration as necessary for order. Others, however, fear it sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent. “Security shouldn’t override rights,” a Rivers resident argued.
Political analysts warn the crisis could deter investment in Rivers, exacerbating economic struggles. “Instability scares businesses,” an economist noted, linking peace to revitalizing the state’s oil-dependent economy.
As tensions simmer, the Coalition vowed to mobilize nationwide protests if demands go unmet. “We’ll defend democracy tirelessly,” Isaacs pledged, signaling escalating pressure on federal authorities.
Ultimately, the group framed Rivers’ turmoil as a test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience. “How Tinubu handles this defines his legacy,” Isaacs concluded, urging leadership that prioritizes people over power.
The crisis underscores Nigeria’s fragile political balance, demanding urgent, principled action to prevent further fragmentation. With deadlines looming, stakeholders await Tinubu’s response, hoping dialogue prevails over division.
