The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, particularly involving the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike. The appeal was made by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, during a news conference held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The conflict between Wike and Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara centers around control of the political machinery in the oil-rich state. Prof. Okaba expressed concern that if the situation remains unresolved, it could have far-reaching implications for other regions in Nigeria.
“Mr. President, sir, as the father of the nation and the alter ego of Nigeria, we are fervently appealing to you to call the FCT Minister to order. This is for the sake of peace and security in Nigeria. Stop this drift towards national disintegration and anarchy now,” Okaba stated.
He further alleged that Wike’s power struggle with Fubara may be linked to the minister’s intentions to bolster Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the upcoming general elections.
“We understand the dictates of politics and the need to harvest Rivers votes for the President’s second tenure elections. What we misunderstand is the notion that only the FCT Minister can assist the President in winning Rivers,” he added.
Okaba noted that Governor Fubara has remained loyal to Tinubu’s 8-point directive, which was presented to stakeholders during a conflict resolution meeting in October 2023. He emphasized that while Fubara acted in good faith by adhering to the directive, Wike has not complied by continuing to pursue legal actions against the governor.
He highlighted that less than three weeks after the Presidential directives, Martins Amaewhule led 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly to defect to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Regarding the recent local government elections in Rivers, Okaba praised Fubara for following the Supreme Court order mandating that Local Government Areas in Nigeria be administered by elected officials, warning that failure to comply could result in withheld funds.
The INC’s appeal underscores the urgency for intervention to restore peace and political stability in Rivers State, as the situation continues to escalate.
