Ann-Kio Briggs, a prominent activist from the Niger Delta region, has voiced strong concerns regarding the recent political turmoil in Rivers State, stemming from the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Briggs contends that the federal government’s actions, specifically President Bola Tinubu’s decision to intervene in the state’s affairs, were based on misinformation and political maneuvering. She argues that the pretext of insecurity used to justify the governor’s suspension lacked factual basis and has only served to destabilize the region and sow distrust among the populace. Briggs emphasizes the need for direct engagement between President Tinubu and the people of Rivers State to address the escalating crisis.
Briggs’s primary argument centers on the disconnect between the claimed insecurity in Rivers State and the reality on the ground. She firmly asserts that the state was peaceful prior to the federal intervention and that the allegations of insecurity used to justify the governor’s suspension were fabricated. This misinformation, she argues, directly led to the current crisis. Adding weight to her claim, Briggs points to a recent meeting she attended with President Tinubu as part of a Pan-Niger Delta Forum delegation. This meeting, which occurred shortly before Fubara’s suspension, leads her to believe that the decision to intervene was premeditated and that their concerns were disregarded. The perceived lack of genuine consideration for the perspectives of Rivers State’s people fuels her call for open communication and direct dialogue with the president.
Furthermore, Briggs criticizes the timing and handling of a Supreme Court ruling involving 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC. She questions why the Supreme Court addressed this matter while it was still pending in a lower court, suggesting an undue haste and potential overreach. Although Governor Fubara abided by the ruling, Briggs points to this incident as further evidence of irregularities in the legal and political processes surrounding the current crisis. She implies that this case, combined with the governor’s suspension, paints a picture of orchestrated actions designed to destabilize the elected government of Rivers State.
Briggs calls on President Tinubu to acknowledge the flawed premise behind the federal government’s intervention and to take corrective action. She believes that such an admission, far from being a sign of weakness, would demonstrate true leadership and a commitment to justice. She stresses that admitting to being misinformed and subsequently adjusting course is not just a matter of political expediency but a moral imperative, crucial for restoring trust and stability in the region. This, she posits, would signify a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis and mitigating the negative consequences of the federal government’s actions.
The activist also expressed disappointment in the National Assembly’s response to the situation, particularly regarding the appointment of a sole administrator. She criticizes the House of Representatives for issuing a belated warning to the administrator after he was already sworn in, raising questions about the sincerity and efficacy of their intervention. This perceived inaction further reinforces her concerns about the integrity of the democratic process and the rule of law in Nigeria. Briggs’s disappointment in the National Assembly highlights her belief that the legislative branch should act as a check on executive power and actively safeguard the principles of democracy, rather than responding passively to potentially unconstitutional actions.
Concluding her statement with a stern warning, Briggs insists that the removal of democratically elected officials through extra-constitutional means is unacceptable. She emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the will of the people. Briggs hinted at the possibility of mass action by civil society groups in Rivers State if the federal government fails to address their grievances and rectify the perceived injustice. This serves as a clear indication of the escalating tensions and the potential for further unrest if the federal government does not engage in meaningful dialogue and take steps towards resolving the crisis. The underlying message is that the people of Rivers State will not passively accept the undermining of their democratic rights and will actively resist perceived attempts to impose undemocratic rule.
