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…Says It Cannot Guarantee Peace in the Niger Delta If Tensions Escalate

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has strongly condemned the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara could destabilize the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba criticized the recent Supreme Court ruling on the state, arguing that it failed to recognize the historical and political contributions of the Ijaw people to Rivers State’s governance. He stressed that if Governor Fubara’s tenure is threatened, the consequences could extend beyond the state, affecting national peace and economic stability.

Ijaw Contributions to Rivers Politics

Tracing the political evolution of Rivers State, Prof. Okaba emphasized the Ijaw people’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s leadership for decades. He cited historical instances where the Ijaw played a key role in determining political outcomes:

• In 1999, Ijaw leader Chief Marshall Harry secured the PDP governorship ticket for Dr. Peter Odili, despite a strong challenge from Sergeant Awuse.
• In 2003, Marshall Harry backed Sergeant Awuse’s gubernatorial bid, but instead of Awuse winning, Harry was assassinated, marking a painful chapter for the Ijaw people.
• By 2007, Ijaw figures such as Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo played a decisive role in the election of Sir Celestine Omehia, though Prince Igodo, a Kalabari-Ijaw warlord, was killed during Omehia’s swearing-in to prevent security breaches.
• In 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, ensured that Nyesom Wike was given the position instead.

Prof. Okaba lamented that despite these sacrifices, an Ikwerre political elite now seeks to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades.

A Firm Warning from the INC

The INC issued a strong declaration, stating that the Ijaw people would defend Governor Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins” and would not allow their long-awaited tenure to be cut short.

Prof. Okaba further warned that while the INC has worked tirelessly to maintain peace in the Niger Delta, leading to increased oil production and national revenue, the same resources are now being used to marginalize the Ijaw people.

He pointed out that this marginalization extends beyond Rivers State to Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, where Ijaws continue to face political exclusion.

A Warning to the Federal Government

Addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the INC stressed that the Rivers State political crisis must not be dismissed as routine politicking. Prof. Okaba emphasized that with over 40 million Ijaw people worldwide, any attempt to undermine their political influence would not be tolerated.

While urging Governor Fubara to work with all duly constituted arms of government, the INC made it clear that if the Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other political force truncates Fubara’s tenure, the INC “cannot guarantee the sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta”.

This veiled warning suggests potential disruptions in the region’s petroleum industry, which could have severe economic implications for Nigeria.

The Growing Political Tension

With the INC’s strong stance, tensions in Rivers State are expected to escalate unless urgent steps are taken to resolve the crisis peacefully. Political stakeholders now look to President Tinubu and national leaders to handle the situation with caution to avoid plunging the oil-rich region into chaos.

As the battle for Rivers State intensifies, one message from the INC is clear: Any further attempt to sideline Governor Fubara may come at a heavy price.