Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.
