SPOTLIGHTS
- The INC is committed to peace and unity within the Ijaw Nation
- The group acknowledges the political divisions caused by the Fubara-Wike feud
- The INC urges support for the current Rivers State Governor while recognising Wike’s past contributions
- A pro-Wike group seeks INC’s neutral intervention to resolve the political crisis
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and development within the Ijaw Nation, including Rivers State.
INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, gave this assurance during a visit to Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by a delegation from the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Forum (RIPCF), led by Senator George Sekibo.
The RIPCF, a group aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, sought INC’s intervention in the political dispute between the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the FCT.
Professor Okaba acknowledged the divisions within the Ijaw Nation caused by the political crisis in Rivers State. He emphasised the INC’s commitment to supporting any group that benefits the Ijaw people and opposing any group that hinders their progress.
“The Ijaw Nation is grateful to Wike for working for an Ijaw man to lead Rivers State. We don’t hate him. We also recall the efforts of Ijaw people in Wike’s political journey, especially his emergence as Governor,” Okaba stated.
He recalled an instance where the INC defended Wike against criticism from a Northern group, reiterating the INC’s mandate to protect the interests of the Ijaw people.
Okaba urged for unity and reconciliation, stating, “We must come together because our unity is our strength. I believe we can be strong even in diversity. But let’s not fight ourselves. You are free to be loyal to Wike since he has been good to you. Ijaw people are very grateful people. We have been helped, and we are also helping. However, let’s not in any way frustrate Sim Fubara. He is the undisputed Governor of Rivers State.”
He appealed for an amicable resolution to the internal dispute, emphasising the importance of Ijaw unity and discouraging divisive actions.
Senator Sekibo, representing Rivers East in the National Assembly, urged the INC to remain neutral in the political feud. He alleged that Governor Fubara has issues with his political benefactor, Wike, but has not disclosed the reasons for their disagreement to the Ijaw people.
Sekibo called for unity among the Ijaw people and strategic collaboration with other ethnic groups in Rivers State. He refuted claims that Wike disregards the Ijaw people, pointing out that five out of nine federal appointments facilitated by Wike were given to Ijaw leaders.
He urged the INC to remain impartial and work towards resolving the political misunderstanding for the benefit of the Ijaw Nation.