Some Rivers Youths back Sole Administrator, Urge Political Actors to Embrace Peace

As Rivers State navigates its second week under a state of emergency, a faction of youth leaders has declared support for the Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, urging political actors to halt litigations and work towards restoring stability.  

The endorsement came from a faction of the Rivers State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), shortly after electing new executives in Port Harcourt, the state capital.  

Speaking on behalf of the group, Factional Chairman of NYCN Rivers State, Nwisabari Bani, alongside Chairman of the NYCN Electoral Committee Elective Congress, Lawrence Oyor, and Speaker of the Rivers State Youth Parliament, Wisdom Bruce, called for political dialogue and reconciliation.  

According to them, the appointment of Ibas remains the most viable solution to the escalating crisis, cautioning that failure to cooperate with the federal government could lead to an extension of the six-month emergency rule.  

“At this critical moment, the focus should be on peace and rebuilding governance structures, not political disputes. If caution is not exercised, the presidency may be compelled to extend emergency rule, which will not be in the best interest of the state.”

Their appeal comes against the backdrop of widespread political tension following President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials, including the governor, as part of emergency governance measures.  

With Rivers State at a crossroads, these youth leaders are advocating for collaboration over confrontation, warning that prolonged instability could further derail governance and economic progress.  

“The best way forward is to embrace dialogue. The more divided we are, the harder it will be to restore democratic governance,” they emphasized.