The President Ijaw National Congress Worldwide, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, During A Solidarity March For Governor Siminalayi Fubara In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, On Friday, December 15, 2023.

Address By The President Ijaw National Congress Worldwide, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, During A Solidarity March For Governor Siminalayi Fubara In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, On Friday, December 15, 2023.

Resisting Assault On Democracy And Reign Of Impunity In Rivers State

1. The Ijaw National Congress is very concerned about the growing political assault on democracy, abuse of government institutions and due process in Rivers State. We are, therefore, constrained to embark on this solidarity march to draw attention to the reign of impunity in Rivers State orchestrated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

2. There have been tensions in Rivers State since the 31st of October, 2023 when the state House of Assembly was set ablaze as a result of the brazen attempt by a misguided faction of the legislators to impeach the Majority Leader in order for them to pave way for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an illustrious Ijaw son.

3. That unfortunate onslaught on the legislature, which is the beacon of democracy, has punctured the peace, security, stability and development of Rivers State. The state, to say the least, has been gasping for breath under the weight of the selfish and inordinate desire of Mr Wike to have Governor Fubara sacked from office and destabilize the state.

4. It is, therefore, no longer news that Mr Wike is behind the satanic and retrogressive plot to undermine governance in Rivers State, cut short the tenure of his successor and beloved godson by manipulating the state legislature to achieve his self-serving interest of continually monopolizing power in the state to sustain his arrogant and abrasive emperor-lifestyle. It appears Mr Wike has forgotten so soon his solidarity messages and preachments to incumbent Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, and former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to resist godfatherism in their states.

5. Since the unfortunate political crisis started unfolding, Mr Wike has not left lovers of democracy and peaceful co-existence in doubt with his dodgy and evasive rhetoric at different fora, that he is solely responsible for the political instability in Rivers State. He has, in this regard, shamelessly made reference to his political structure in the state which he would not like anybody to take away from him. Pray, which political structure did he have prior to his becoming governor? Did he shoot his way to the elective and political offices he has occupied without help from anyone? Does he need to be reminded that the Ijaws actually set the stage for his predecessors and him to become governors of the state?

6. The FCT minister is blinded by a sense of ingratitude and unbridled greed. His unconscionable decision to have Governor Fubara impeached clearly shows disrespect to Mr President and disdain for well-meaning interveners in the saga as well as contempt for the rule of law, peace, justice, equity, security and development.

7. For, it is on record that Mr Wike's ill-advised and desperate push for Governor Fubara's impeachment is continuing despite the commendable interventions of not only Mr President but the Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum, Rivers State Elders, Niger Delta Elders, foremost Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Pa E.K. Clark, the INC, concerned Ijaw leaders of thought, the Ijaw Youth Council, and overwhelming public outcry against his selfish plan. The obstinacy of Mr Wike and his anti-democratic elements portends massive danger for democracy in Nigeria and Rivers State in particular.

8. In the past few days, Nigerians and indeed the whole world have witnessed the total disregard for the rule of law by Mr Wike and his pliable loyalists to have their way, in spite of subsisting court pronouncements which ordered all parties to maintain status quo and also duly recognized and affirmed Edison Ehie as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

9. The INC, therefore, advises Mr President to sanction the FCT Minister for disrespecting presidential counsel against his unacceptable, avaricious and disgraceful attack on democracy, and his political misadventure to make Rivers State ungovernable by all means possible. Mr President, don't allow Mr Wike to continue to hide under ministerial appointment to cause trouble in the state and bring embarrassment to your administration. Mr President, sanction Mr Wike and beat him into line now!

10. We, however, will like to state, Mr President, that political instability in any state of the federation could be a source of distraction for your administration. It is obvious that Mr Wike does not understand this incontrovertible implication. We also suggest that Mr President should avoid being perceived to be tacitly supporting his cabinet member to destabilize Rivers State to harvest political capital. Prevail on the FCT minister to abandon his mischievous mission in Rivers State.

11. At this juncture, Mr President and Nigerians in general should hold Mr Wike responsible if Rivers State, and by extension, the Niger Delta region is set on fire because of his primordial quest to 'retain power' while damning all consequences for social, economic and political stability in the state. Act now, Mr President!

12. Finally, the INC wishes to caution that we will not be able to guarantee the peace in the Niger Delta in the event that Mr Wike and those egging him on, plunge the region into a chain of crises of monumental proportions with any impeachment proceedings against Fubara. Rivers State cannot be the personal estate of the FCT Minister at the expense of the liberty and desire of the people to enjoy their commonwealth in peace and harmony. A stitch in time, saves nine!

Signed

Professor Benjamin Okaba

President, Ijaw National Congress.