Niger Delta Activist Ann-Kio Briggs Criticizes Federal Government's Inaction Amid Rivers State Political Crisis
By Wisdom Tide
October 8, 2024
Briggs Expresses Concern Over Selective Enforcement of Court Orders and Its Nationwide Impact
In a recent interview with Channels Television, prominent Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs openly expressed her frustration regarding the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. She strongly criticized what she described as the selective enforcement of court orders by the police and highlighted the far-reaching economic and social impacts the unrest has caused, not only in Rivers State but across Nigeria.
Prolonged Federal Inaction
Briggs voiced her disappointment over the federal government's failure to address the ongoing crisis in the region, despite repeated appeals. For over a year, activists and local leaders have urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing tensions within the Niger Delta. The situation took a critical turn three months ago when the tenure of all 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State expired. Following this, the police reportedly locked down local government areas under the pretext of enforcing a court order.
Concerns Over Safety and Security
Briggs was particularly critical of the recent directive that ordered local government officials to vacate their positions despite the obvious risks of violence. She lamented the precarious situation the elected officials have been placed in, stating:
“This morning, all of them were ordered to leave the local government areas, knowing fully well that there was going to be trouble, leaving the duly elected local government chairmen to the dangers that are playing out on our television screens.”
Her comments reflect the increasing concerns over the safety and security of local government leaders in the face of political unrest.
Economic Implications for Nigeria
Beyond the political instability, Briggs emphasized the severe economic impact the crisis has had on Rivers State, a region critical to Nigeria's economic engine. She stressed that any destabilization in Rivers State inevitably affects the nation’s broader economic stability, given the state's significant contributions to the national economy.
“This isn't just about Rivers State,” Briggs noted. “Any destabilization here has consequences for the entire country. Yet, we are seeing little to no action from the federal government.”
Frustration with Presidential Response
Briggs also expressed dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s response to the crisis. After months of calls for intervention, she noted that the president's recent directive to the state governor to maintain safety and order was insufficient and came too late.
“We've been calling on the president for over a year to do something,” Briggs said. “Now that local governments are on fire in Rivers State, the president is finally asking the governor to ensure the state is safe. This could have been prevented with timely action.”
Call for Federal Intervention
Briggs' statements capture the growing frustration among many in Rivers State and the Niger Delta regarding the federal government's perceived reluctance to address escalating political tensions. The delay in addressing these issues has not only complicated efforts to stabilize the region but has also raised concerns about broader implications for Nigeria's economic and social well-being.
As the crisis continues, activists like Briggs are calling for more decisive and prompt federal intervention to restore stability to Rivers State and prevent further economic disruption
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