Dear Mr. President,

My name is Jemine Ekimimosugha Teddy, a proud descendant of the revered Perebiyenmo, who bravely led his family, followers, and slaves on a historic migration from Gbaraun in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, to Oporoza in present-day Delta State. Their perilous journey traversed the majestic Benin River through Egbema in Edo State, ultimately leading to the founding of the illustrious Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom. I am honoured to call this kingdom my home, residing in Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom, Ondo State.

I write to you with a deep sense of urgency and concern regarding the growing tensions in the Niger Delta region, and your declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State. This letter is not just a plea but a call for decisive and just action in addressing the long-standing grievances of a people whose sacrifices have fueled Nigeria’s economic engine for decades, yet who continue to suffer neglect, environmental devastation, and political marginalization.

A History of Injustice and Resistance

The Niger Delta’s struggle for justice is not a recent development; it is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s history. From the early days of agitation led by figures like Major Isaac Adaka Boro to the heroic sacrifices of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni activists under General Sani Abacha’s military regime, the region has persistently fought for fairness, equity, and environmental restoration. The execution of Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues in 1995 was not just an attack on the Ogoni people but a stark reminder of the systematic oppression of the Niger Delta as a whole.

Subsequent administrations have failed to adequately address the core issues that fuel discontent in the region. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the military invasion of Odi in 1999 left hundreds dead and an entire community reduced to rubble. This pattern of excessive force against civilians set a dangerous precedent, reinforcing the perception that the government views the Niger Delta people as enemies rather than partners in national development.

In 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua responded to violent agitations by bombarding Gbaramatu Kingdom Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, and terrorizing the whole geographic Niger Delta, but it yielded no peace until Presidential Amnesty was declared, and dialogue was introduced and embraced. The outcomes of those negotiations and dialogue have been beneficial to the Nigerian economy till date.

Under President Buhari’s administration, the Niger Delta region was targeted through politically motivated actions, particularly by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These actions were perceived as a deliberate attempt to marginalize the region and its people. The EFCC’s aggressive pursuit of corruption cases in the region, often with questionable motives, created widespread resentment and ultimately contributed to the emergence of militant groups like the Niger Delta Avengers.

The above historical backgrounds are pointers to the fact that the Nigerian government has not been really sincere and fair in treating issues about the oil hub of Africa. Reactions of the Nigerian governments have always been the same: Militarization and Suppression of Voices of Justice and Freedom. Dialogue should be the first approach to issues of concern in the Niger Delta. And I hope, Mr President, your administration would take the route of dialogue and diplomacy.

The Rivers State Crisis: A Threat to Stability

Mr. President, the recent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sent shockwaves through the Ijaw Nation and the broader Niger Delta community. Fubara’s election was historic—he is the first Ijaw man to be democratically elected as governor of Rivers State, a state whose creation was deeply tied to the Ijaw struggle for political recognition. His removal is widely perceived as a calculated political maneuver aimed at suppressing Ijaw representation in the state’s leadership.

This action risks reopening old wounds, exacerbating tensions, and possibly leading to renewed unrest. The Niger Delta has long been a ticking time bomb due to unresolved injustices. Any attempt to suppress political voice of the Ijaws will only deepen the existing resentment and could push the region towards another cycle of violence and instability.

Now That State of Emergency Has Been Declared

Declaring a state of emergency is akin to pouring fuel on an already smoldering fire. Hence, Mr President should act fast and act wisely. Given the delicate situation. The fate of Rivers State—and by extension, the stability of Nigeria—rests on the actions your administration takes today.

Sincerely,
Engr. Jemine Ekimimosugha teddy
(A. K. A. Papiko 1 of Niger Delta)