Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Mike Okiro, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which he says restored peace to the region.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, in response to ongoing political crises that had impeded democratic governance in the state. His decision has sparked mixed reactions, with several opposition politicians and organizations criticizing the move.

Okiro made the comments during the ‘Investiture of Patrons and Unveiling of the South-South Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society’ in Abuja. He recognized the importance of the President’s efforts in addressing the ongoing political instability in Rivers State.

“The South-South is the greatest and most united geographical region in Abuja. We are like brothers and sisters here,” Okiro said.

He recalled a recent conversation with the President, stating, “Last time I called Mr. President, I told him he is the father of the nation. He should ensure peace in Rivers State. If there is no peace in Rivers, it will affect other South-South states and all Nigerians. So, I thank the President for returning peace to Rivers State.”

READ ALSO:Mike Okiro tasks Nigerians on unity, others

Okiro also emphasized the importance of stability, noting, “There was confusion there, and the best way forward is peace. When people fight, it can be an opportunity to bring them together and educate them. That is exactly what the President has done.”

In a similar vein, Dickson Omoregie, President of the South-South Community FCT, Abuja, also praised the President’s intervention, stressing that peace in Rivers State is crucial for the unity and progress of the South-South region and the country as a whole.

“In South-South, we understand that any man who is engaged, even if it’s a small stipend weekly or monthly, is less likely to engage in disruptive activities,” Omoregie said. “That is why we focus on empowerment. We have been able to appreciate our South-South stakeholders, who are contributing to development as sources of South-South each day.”

Omoregie further acknowledged the President’s role in national security, saying, “Security is paramount, and the President is the number one custodian of security in Nigeria. While his efforts may not be perfect, we recognize that he is trying. We urge all men and women of the South-South to put an end to rancor, disunity, and infighting so that peace can prevail in our region.”

“I’m not sure he is doing his best, his best cannot be perfect, but we know he is trying, and we expect all men and women of South-South to stop all manner of rancor, disunity, and infighting so that there can be peace in South-South,” he added.