From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has expressed concern over the political crisis in Rivers State and its far-reaching implication for the peace, stability and corporate existence of Nigeria in the long run.
The President of INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba in a press statement titled: ‘Recent Events in Rivers State and Matters Arising’, lamented that some security agencies have exhibited an open bias for a faction of the House of Assembly to hold sittings in violations of subsisting Court order.
According to Okaba it is curious that after the fatherly intervention of the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the crisis, there have sponsored media attacks against the person of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Joseph Fubara.
Okaba who called on President Tinubu to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to order, warned that Rivers State is at the brink of anarchy.
It commended Governor Fubara’s calmness and saluted the stance of Traditional Rulers and other critical stakeholders for putting the interest of Rivers State beyond personal interest.
It implored all stakeholders in Rivers to be resolute in defending democracy and condemned all acts of lawlessness that could lead to breakdown of law and order.
The statement read in part: “Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we implore you once again to call Mr Wike and those Federal Government agencies and agents who are putting Rivers State at risk of anarchy to order. Such elements are inimical to the stability of Nigeria sooner or later.
‘’ We commend the calm, mature and statesmanlike comportment of Governor Fubara who has endured insults and petty accusations with equanimity; such conduct is becoming of a civilized leader and statesman.
‘’We also salute the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and other stakeholders of Rivers State,who are putting the interest of the state above political banditry of a few.
‘’ We urge all Rivers people and all other meaningful Nigerians to condemn this act of lawlessness. Let us stand together to protect our democratic institutions and ensure that justice and the will of the masses prevails.
‘’ Meanwhile, we call on all Rivers people, Ijaws and other critical stakeholders within and outside the Niger Delta to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding and resolute in this hour of trial and brazen provocation.’’