KEY POINTS
- The Niger Delta Congress will protest on April 7 against Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers’ elected officials, calling it undemocratic.
- The emergency rule has drawn legal challenges and could disrupt oil output in Nigeria’s economic hub.
- Analysts warn the crisis may destabilize the Niger Delta, where 90% of Nigeria’s crude is produced.
The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has called for a mass protest on Monday, April 7, to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
Channelstv reports that the demonstration, set for Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, aims to “demand the restoration of democratic governance” in the oil-rich state.
In an April 3 statement, NDC spokesperson Mudlaga Ogboru condemned the measures as “an attack on democracy and the people of Rivers State,” warning they “threaten the stability of the Niger Delta region.” The group urged peaceful participation, emphasizing: “Together, we stand united in our pursuit of justice.”
Political crisis deepens in Rivers over emergency rule
The emergency rule, imposed on March 18 citing political unrest and oil facility vandalism, has sparked legal and civil society backlash. Last week, Rivers-based Crownfield Solicitors petitioned ECOWAS to remove Tinubu as the bloc’s chairman over the same issue.
Security analysts warn the protest could escalate tensions in a region producing over 90% of Nigeria’s oil exports. “Any instability in Rivers risks disrupting crude production and fueling wider unrest,” said energy consultant Ifeoma Okoye.
The presidency has yet to respond, but sources suggest security forces will monitor the protest closely. Similar demonstrations in 2023 over oil revenue disputes led to brief production shutdowns.
