Over 10,000 Jobs Lost Under Emergency Rule in Rivers, Says Ijaw National Congress

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has raised alarm over the economic toll of the emergency rule in Rivers State, claiming that more than 10,000 jobs have been lost in the past six months.

INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made the disclosure on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, warning that the political crisis has crippled livelihoods in the oil-rich state.

“Six months of emergency rule in Rivers State, spanning from March 18 to the present, has resulted in significant losses across multiple sectors,” Okaba stated.

He argued that with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, Rivers has been effectively subjected to dictatorship under the sole administrator appointed by the Federal Government.

President Bola Tinubu declared the emergency rule on March 18, suspending the state’s top elected officials following escalating political tensions.

According to Okaba, the fallout has not only undermined democratic governance but has also had devastating consequences for workers and businesses, with thousands forced into unemployment.

The INC has urged urgent steps to restore democratic leadership and revive economic activities in Rivers before the damage becomes irreversible.