Rivers State: Former PANDEF Spokesman Supports Declaration of State of Emergency
Dr. Ken Robinson, the immediate past spokesman for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “imperative and inevitable.”
Speaking with reporters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Robinson stated that the declaration was necessary to address the ongoing political crisis in the state. He hoped that the president’s intervention would bring an end to the turmoil.
He remarked, “Unfortunately, the declaration of a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, along with the subsequent measures, was both imperative and inevitable. We hope this action will end the senseless crisis and prevent further loss of innocent lives, as well as safeguard our national economy and security.”
Robinson, who is also the Convener of the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State (CCRS), called for peace and reconciliation between the conflicting parties.
He added, “Looking back, the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State had long called for peace and reconciliation. In December 2023, following the President’s second intervention, we were attacked by those with vested interests in the conflict. Now, look where we are.”
Robinson further criticized individuals in influential positions who, instead of providing constructive advice, chose to take sides and escalate the crisis. “Those individuals should feel ashamed. We pray for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Rivers State,” he concluded.
