Elders in the Niger Delta rarely speak in direct terms, preferring instead the subtle language of parables and veiled references. When the South-South geopolitical forum visited Aso Rock last week amidst the political crisis in Rivers State, they upheld this tradition. Speaking with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they carefully wove their words to ensure the message was clear without explicitly calling out the real issue.
They praised him where necessary, yet their commendations barely masked the pressing concerns they carried from the creeks and oil-rich streets of the Niger Delta. Their diplomacy was deliberate, ensuring the weight of their grievances was felt while maintaining the decorum expected in such meetings.
The Subtle but Clear Warning
The heart of their message lay in their ninth point, where they urged President Tinubu to take control of the situation. Without naming the conflict outright, they pointed at ‘one man’—a clear reference to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike. They implored Tinubu to ensure that both Wike and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, prioritize peace.
Their exact words were: “We therefore, urge you, Mr. President, to impress upon all stakeholders, particularly a member of your cabinet, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the necessity of prioritising peace. An amicable resolution must be sought outside the courts, ensuring that no party is considered superior to the other and that a win-win outcome is achieved.”
This plea revealed the unspoken sentiment among Niger Delta leaders: that Wike was wielding excessive influence and that Fubara, despite his position, was fighting an uphill battle.
A Divided Eldership
Rivers elders, historically tied to the larger Niger Delta leadership, are sharply divided. Their factions are drawn along political lines—one side backing Wike, the other supporting Fubara. This division makes it difficult for any single group to claim the true mantle of elder statesmanship.
Beyond Rivers, many Niger Delta leaders bear scars from past political battles with Wike. Some view him as a political heavyweight who plays the long game, striking when his opponents least expect it. His track record suggests that once he sets his sights on a fight, he pursues it relentlessly, regardless of calls for reconciliation.
The Struggle for a Political Solution
The elders’ visit also highlighted contradictions within their own ranks. Earlier, some Niger Delta elders had encouraged Fubara to reject the eight-point peace accord, arguing that he should assert his constitutional authority. Now, the delegation before Tinubu was advocating for a political solution.
This shift did not go unnoticed. Those in Wike’s camp likely saw it as an admission of failure by Fubara’s supporters. Wike’s allies might even be quietly relishing the moment, pointing out that those who once urged defiance are now calling for dialogue.
Who Spoke for the Niger Delta?
The delegation to Aso Rock was composed of prominent figures—traditional rulers, treaty kings, former governors, National Assembly members, and respected academics. Their credibility was undeniable, and even those unable to attend, like the Oba of Benin, sent their regrets.
Their message to the President was plain: The perception on the ground is that he is favoring one side. “Foremost among our concerns is the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, which poses a significant threat to national stability,” they told him. “Despite your fatherly efforts to mediate, the situation continues to deteriorate due to conflicting and contradictory court rulings.”
They framed Rivers as an economic linchpin, warning that instability there could have nationwide consequences. This was not just about politics—it was about safeguarding the oil and gas industry, the lifeline of Nigeria’s economy.
A Peace Committee with a Familiar Challenge
In a bid to mediate, the elders formed a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Victor Attah, alongside notable figures such as former Military Governor Pam Ogar, senators Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Rowland Owie, and Stella Omu, as well as former Bayelsa Deputy Governor G. John-Jonah.
Their efforts, however, faced an all-too-familiar problem: Wike’s resistance. “While the committee has made some progress, full cooperation from some remain elusive,” they noted. This veiled statement likely pointed at Wike, who is known for refusing to engage in reconciliation efforts until he has fully secured his political objectives.
Beyond Rivers: The Region’s Broader Demands
The elders did not limit their discussions to Rivers State. They thanked the President for appointing Niger Delta sons and daughters into key positions and commended the substantive board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
However, they pushed for more. They demanded a dedicated South-South Development Commission, arguing that other regions have similar bodies while the Niger Delta remains solely reliant on the NDDC.
They also called for a review of the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the Bakassi Peninsula and the Green Tree Agreement, citing the devastation it has caused. “We do not wish to dwell on past mistakes, but rather, we urge the need to revisit this matter with a view to mitigating its impact on the affected communities and the fortunes of Cross River State as a whole.”
Security Concerns and the Urgent Need for Action
A significant portion of their discussions centered on security. They warned that criminal elements were migrating southward due to intensified military operations in other regions. “If left unchecked, this could force local populations to resort to self-help,” they cautioned, warning of rising sea piracy and violence in coastal communities.
To address this, they called for the immediate establishment of the proposed Coast Guard, drawing its personnel from the littoral states.
The Infrastructure Deficit and Oil Industry Issues
Another pressing concern was the region’s poor infrastructure allocation. The elders criticized the 2025 budget for disproportionately low investments in the South-South and called for urgent funding for deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo States.
They also revisited the unresolved issue of oil theft and the need for increased production. While recognizing the government’s push to restart the Ogoni crude project, they urged renewed efforts to combat oil theft.
On modular refineries, they reminded Tinubu of the Buhari administration’s decision to fund such projects under the Local Content Board, arguing that reviving this initiative would create jobs and improve livelihoods.
The Final Choice: Between Wike and the Ijaw
Perhaps the most significant underlying message was the political balancing act the President must perform. While the elders carefully polished their words, the essence of their message was clear: Tinubu must choose between Wike and the Ijaw people.
This is the raw political reality they wrapped in layers of diplomatic language.
