Group Slams INC President Over Attacks On Rivers Assembly, Wike

The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), a prominent political group that played an active role in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s victory in the 2023 governorship election, has sharply criticised the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, over what it described as partisan and divisive comments against the Rivers State House of Assembly and former Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by its Director-General, Hon. Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, the movement expressed deep concern over recent remarks attributed to Professor Okaba, which allegedly targeted the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

RRM faulted the INC president for criticising a legislature that, according to the group, has significant Ijaw representation, noting that at least nine Ijaw lawmakers are members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The movement described Okaba’s comments as “overtly biased” and “regrettable,” warning that such statements could deepen internal divisions within the Ijaw ethnic nationality and erode confidence in constitutionally recognised institutions.

According to the statement, “Such partisan posturing by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress is capable of inflaming tensions within the Ijaw nation and undermining democratic structures, particularly the Rivers State House of Assembly, which includes Ijaw representatives on both sides of the current political divide.”

The movement urged the INC leadership to maintain neutrality in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and to refrain from statements that could be interpreted as favouring one political faction over another, especially on issues directly affecting Ijaw politicians and institutions.

RRM also revisited the events leading to the 2023 governorship election, alleging that the Okaba-led INC openly opposed the emergence of Governor Fubara. In contrast, the group credited the former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, with playing a decisive role in securing Fubara’s electoral victory.

“It is a matter of fact that the Benjamin Okaba–led INC worked against the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2023 election,” the statement said. “Conversely, the political leader of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, with divine support and the commitment of his followers, ensured Governor Fubara’s victory.”

RRM questioned what it described as the INC’s “sudden show of support” for Governor Fubara, recalling previous public narratives that allegedly questioned the governor’s Ijaw identity. The movement said this apparent shift in posture raised serious concerns about the true motives of the INC leadership.

The group further challenged Professor Okaba’s silence over the plight of Ijaw lawmakers in the state assembly who, it claimed, were denied allowances, harassed, and prevented from effectively performing their legislative duties for nearly two years.

“Is Governor Fubara more Ijaw than the nine-plus Ijaw legislators who were allegedly marginalized and prevented from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities?” the statement asked, adding that the INC president failed to speak out when these lawmakers were facing difficulties.

RRM also expressed concern that the INC’s rhetoric was coming at a sensitive time when regional and ethnic bodies such as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) are advocating dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful resolution of the Rivers political crisis.

Calling for restraint, the movement appealed to respected Ijaw leaders, elders, political stakeholders, royal fathers, and members of the clergy to intervene and prevail on Professor Okaba to moderate his utterances or step aside, warning that continued “reckless statements” could further destabilise the already fragile political atmosphere in the state.

In addition, the group urged the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, to remain resolute in what it described as the defence of democracy and constitutionalism. RRM referenced Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers a state legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor alleged to have violated constitutional provisions.

The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to prioritise peace, unity, and the rule of law in resolving the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.