A State of Emergency in Rivers: What’s Happening?
In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The announcement suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the next six months.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with some groups reportedly planning statewide protests to challenge the suspension of the elected officials. However, popular comedian and Rivers State native, Mark Angel, has stepped in with a message urging residents to stay calm and avoid protests.
Mark Angel’s Plea: “This Fight is Not Your Fight”
In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram page, Mark Angel addressed the people of Rivers State, particularly the youth, urging them to stay out of the ongoing political conflict. He emphasized that the situation is a dispute between the Federal Government and the state government, not the people of Rivers.
“My fellow Rivers State people and all residents of the state, especially youths, this matter that’s going on in the state is not your business. It’s government vs. government,” he said.
Angel pointed out that the conflict stems from a breach of agreement between the two parties, describing it as a “personal beef.” He advised residents to focus on their daily lives and avoid being drawn into protests that could escalate tensions.
“We Gree”: A Call for Peace and Stability
The comedian, known for his humorous yet thought-provoking skits, reminded his audience that they had predicted such political turmoil in their comedy sketches, but many dismissed it as a joke. Now that the predictions have become reality, Angel urged people to accept the situation and prioritize peace.
“Even if they want the military to rule us for 10 years, it’s okay as long as we can go about our businesses peacefully. Don’t go and fight another person’s fight,” he said.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the calls for protest, asking, “How did the Governor that they are sending group messages for us to protest on his behalf come into office? We all know how he came. So, let them settle their differences.”
A Warning Against Protests
Mark Angel strongly cautioned against participating in any protests, dismissing the popular slogan “We no go gree” (We won’t agree). Instead, he humorously declared, “Na lie, we gree” (It’s a lie, we agree), emphasizing that the people of Rivers State should not allow themselves to be used as pawns in a political game.
“Don’t allow anybody to convince you to go for any protest. Nothing like ‘We no go gree.’ Na lie, we gree. Na dem know wetin dem do to get into power, na dem still know wetin dem go do to maintain the power,” he said.
The Bigger Picture: Security and Stability
Angel’s message underscores the importance of maintaining peace and security in Rivers State during this turbulent period. He expressed support for the military’s role in securing the state, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid actions that could lead to violence or unrest.
“The military should secure everywhere. Don’t follow anyone to protest,” he concluded.
Why This Matters
Mark Angel’s appeal highlights the delicate balance between political activism and the need for stability. While protests can be a powerful tool for expressing dissent, they can also escalate tensions and lead to unintended consequences. His message resonates with many who simply want to live their lives without being caught in the crossfire of political conflicts.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
As the six-month State of Emergency unfolds, all eyes will be on Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas and his administration. The focus will be on restoring order, addressing the underlying issues that led to the crisis, and ensuring that the people of Rivers State can go about their daily lives without fear or disruption.
Read also: “Tinubu Blames Fubara for Pipeline Explosion and Political Crisis in Rivers State”
For now, Mark Angel’s call for calm serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best course of action is to step back and let the authorities handle the situation.
