Mr. Obinna Ebogidi
By Eric Moore
THE Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has expressed profound concern over the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, announced on Tuesday.
Convener, Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, expressed this in a statement shortly after the president’s declaration.
He said it is impossible to ignore the unfavourable series of event that led to the latest development in Rivers State.
Ebogidi expressed: “This declaration, which has been forced by the deep political impasse that has gripped the state for over 16 months, marks a tragic and critical moment in the history of our state.
“It is impossible to ignore the series of events that have led to this point— events that speak to the failure of leadership, both from the executive and the legislature.
“What should have been a constructive dialogue between political leaders has instead been a prolonged battle of egos and selfish ambitions.
“The people of Rivers State have been caught in the crossfire, deprived of the leadership and progress they so rightfully deserve. As a result, the state has stagnated, and the vision of peace, security, and development has all but disappeared from view.”
The convener of RPI further accused the state political leaders of being responsible for the declaration of a state of emergency by the president.
He said: “The Rivers Peace Initiative acknowledges the difficult position the President has found himself in. The state of emergency, while a constitutional measure, is a hasty decision—one that could have been avoided had our leaders taken greater responsibility and prioritized the well-being of Rivers people over personal interests.
“This is not a time to celebrate political triumphs or lament political failures. It is a time to reflect deeply on the consequences of our actions, for both the actors involved and for the future of Rivers State.
“Rivers State now stands at a critical juncture. The inability of our elected officials to reach a peaceful resolution has created a vacuum of governance, which has been exploited by outsiders and destructive forces, further complicating the state’s challenges. The implications of such external interference cannot be understated, as it undermines the progress we have worked so hard to achieve as a state and as a people.
According to him, the declaration of a state of emergency might have been necessary, but it is not a perfect solution, and it must not be seen as an end in itself.
“This measure must be a temporary and transformative intervention. We must use this moment to reflect on the deeper causes of our crisis, and to ensure that, once this period of emergency concludes, the focus will shift back to a fully functional democracy that truly reflects the wishes of the Rivers people.
“We call on all stakeholders—political leaders, civil society groups, religious organizations, and citizens of Rivers State—to come together in the spirit of unity, healing, and renewal.
“This is not a time for division, but for collective action and reconciliation. The peace and progress of Rivers State must remain the guiding principles as we navigate this period of uncertainty.
“The Rivers Peace Initiative remains committed to fostering dialogue, and we will continue to advocate for the restoration of peace, security, and the rule of law in Rivers State.
“We urge all parties involved to prioritize the future of Rivers State over political gamesmanship and to work together to rebuild trust, governance, and a sense of purpose for the people.
“Let this state of emergency be a catalyst for real change, a reminder that the collective good should always come before individual interests. We remain hopeful that, in time, Rivers State will rise above this crisis, and that peace, unity, and prosperity will prevail.”