Rivers: Declaration Of Emergency Rule Inevitable, Says Ex-PANDEF Spokesman

Immediate-past spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Ken Robinson has thrown his weight behind the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying the decision was ‘imperative and inevitable’.

Robinson, who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, expressed the hope that Tinubu’s action will put an end to the political crisis in the state.

He said, “Unfortunately, the declaration of a State of Emergency on Tuesday, 18th March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent measures taken by him were both imperative and inevitable.

“This action has, we hope, 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, who is also the Convener of a socio-political pressure group, the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State (CCRS), called for peace and reconciliation among the parties involved in the crisis.

He said, “In retrospect, the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State called for peace and reconciliation among the parties involved in the crisis. In December 2023, following the President’s second intervention, we were vilified by those who had a vested interest in the conflict. Look at where we are today.

“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 exacerbated it. We pray for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Rivers State.”