Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration, end to Rivers crisis — Group

The declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, was both “imperative and inevitable,” the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State (CC 23) has said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s convener, Dr. Ken Robinson, expressed hope that the measure would end the crisis and prevent further loss of lives, destruction of property, and threats to the nation’s economy and security.

“This action, we hope, has put an end to the unnecessary crisis and averted the potential loss of innocent lives and property in the state, as well as threats to our national economy and security,” Robinson stated.

The group recalled its December 2023 call for peace and reconciliation following President Tinubu’s second intervention in the crisis.

It lamented that those who could have offered constructive advice failed to do so, instead taking sides and worsening the situation.

“We were vilified at the time, but look at where we are today,” Robinson said.

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The immediate past publicity secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) criticized influential figures who, rather than resolving the crisis, exacerbated tensions.

“Those who should feel ashamed are the individuals in influential positions who could have provided constructive advice to resolve the situation but instead chose sides and made it worse,” he added.

The group prayed for the swift restoration of peace and normalcy in Rivers State.