The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced plans to convene a crucial meeting to decide on the future of Ijaw self-determination following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Read more details …
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has declared that it will hold a high-stakes meeting to decide on its stance towards self-determination following the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, strongly criticized the move, stating that it unfairly protects former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while punishing Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
“Another Slap on the Ijaw People” – INC President
Okaba described the emergency rule as a direct attack on the Ijaw people, stressing that the decision was taken without considering the deep-seated political manipulation orchestrated by Wike.
“For the Ijaw people, this is another slap on us. We will convene a stakeholders’ meeting to deliberate on how we have fared in this Nigerian project and what options are left to drive home our quest for self-determination,” Okaba stated.
He further alleged that Wike had consistently undermined Governor Fubara, publicly declaring that the governor must hand over full control of Rivers State’s local government areas and sign an agreement not to contest in 2027.
“Wike is desperate to capture state power and resources. He wants to turn Rivers State into his personal empire. The people of Rivers State will suffer the consequences if this continues,” Okaba warned.
Judiciary Under Fire: Wike’s Alleged Influence Exposed
Ijaw leaders are also questioning the role of the judiciary in the political crisis. Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor, accused the courts of delivering biased rulings that enabled 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC to retain their seats, despite clear constitutional violations.
“The real problem in Nigeria is the judiciary delivering compromised judgments. If justice had been served, this crisis would have been long resolved,” Ekiyor stated.
He also condemned Wike for his past actions, including using security forces to intimidate Ijaw communities.
“He insulted the Ijaw people in Abuja, then came to our land and tear-gassed our women and children. Now, they want to impose an emergency rule to cover up Wike’s manipulations,” he added.
Retired Judge Calls Out Tinubu’s Bias
Retired Delta State Customary Court President, Miakpor Emiaso, also weighed in, criticizing Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule as politically motivated.
“The President’s announcement had subtle political bias. He never mentioned the House of Assembly speaker or the external forces behind the crisis. It seems like this move was designed to validate Wike’s godfatherism,” Emiaso stated.
He also described the six-month emergency rule as excessive, warning that placing a retired military officer in charge of the state could further escalate tensions.
Ijaws Ready to Take Action
With rising discontent among the Ijaw people, INC has made it clear that they will no longer remain silent while their political future is determined by external forces.
“We will not watch and do nothing. We will evaluate all our options, including self-determination, if that is what is required to protect our people from systemic oppression,” Okaba asserted.
The Ijaw leaders’ meeting is expected to result in a major political decision that could reshape the future of the Niger Delta region.
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