The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) has condemned what it described as divisive and damaging statements by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), on the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs Sarima Akpata, on Tuesday, the group expressed deep concern over Okaba’s criticisms of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which includes at least nine Ijaw members, as well as his attacks on their political leader, former Governor Nyesom Wike, CON, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The RRM, a leading political group that actively supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2023 election, described Okaba’s comments as “overtly biased” and “regrettable,” warning that such positions risk inflaming divisions within the Ijaw community and undermining constitutional institutions.
The movement urged INC leaders to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from statements favouring any political faction, particularly when Ijaw representatives are involved.
“The movement calls on INC leaders to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from making statements that could be seen as favouring one political faction over another, especially in matters that directly involve Ijaw representatives on both sides of the political spectrum.”
The movement further highlighted that the Okaba-led INC had openly opposed Governor Fubara’s emergence in 2023, while Wike’s leadership ensured his victory.
It questioned whether Fubara is “more Ijaw” than the nine-plus Ijaw legislators who were allegedly denied allowances, harassed and prevented from performing their duties for nearly two years, and asked why Okaba remained silent while these members faced marginalisation.
The group also criticised the INC for inflammatory rhetoric at a time when regional bodies such as PANDEF are advocating dialogue and reconciliation.
The group said: “The movement highlighted it is a matter of fact that the Benjamin Okaba–led INC openly worked against the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2023 governorship election. 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.
“The sudden show of support by the INC leadership therefore raises serious questions about motive, especially given previous claims that Governor Fubara was ‘not a true Ijaw man.’”
The RRM called on Ijaw leaders, elders, political figures, royal fathers and clergy to urge Professor Okaba to exercise restraint or step aside, warning that his reckless statements have heightened tensions and destabilised an already fragile political environment.
The movement also urged the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to remain steadfast in defending democracy, as provided under Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor violating constitutional provisions.
Credit: The Sun