The Ijaw National Congress (INC) warns President Tinubu that the escalating violence in Rivers State, with LGAs bombed and set ablaze, could lead to the downfall of democracy like the collapse of Nigeria’s first republic. As political tension rises between Gov. Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the INC urges immediate action to prevent a catastrophic breakdown of law and order.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a grave warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to pay close attention to the escalating political violence in Rivers State, which they believe could mirror the events that led to the downfall of Nigeria’s first republic. The INC expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, cautioning that the violence erupting in the state is reminiscent of the political turmoil between Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola during the defunct South-Western Nigeria, which led to the truncation of the country’s first democratic era.
Recent incidents of violence, including the bombing and setting ablaze of Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats, have heightened fears of a total breakdown of law and order in Rivers State. The conflict between the two political heavyweights has spiraled out of control, with political factions becoming more desperate in their quest for dominance. The INC, representing the interests of the Ijaw people—many of whom are indigenous to Rivers State—has raised alarm over the dangerous path the state’s political situation is taking.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, stated in a press release on Monday that the political battle in Rivers State goes beyond typical godfatherism. Instead, it is driven by a dangerous desperation to capture the state at all costs, putting the future of Nigeria’s democracy at severe risk. He emphasized that the recent violence, including heavy shooting and bombings targeting LGAs, is a sign of how far political actors are willing to go, disregarding the potential consequences on democracy and public peace.
“The extent to which some of the dramatis personae are going with their self-seeking adventurous activities is quite worrisome, as it appears that they do not care if democracy is truncated in Nigeria,” Prof. Okaba warned. He pointed out that Rivers State’s LGA elections, which have now been marred by violent confrontations and controversial court rulings, have attracted far more attention and chaos than similar elections in states like Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Jigawa, which proceeded without significant rancor.
The INC also raised questions about the role of federal institutions, including the Nigerian Police and the courts, in exacerbating the situation. Prof. Okaba expressed disbelief over the decision of a Federal High Court to restrain the police from performing their constitutional duties during the elections, further complicating the already tense situation.
Okaba reminded Nigerians that political crises of this magnitude have dire consequences, citing the tragic collapse of the first republic when political rivalries between Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola led to a breakdown of law and order, setting the stage for military intervention. “Let everyone be reminded that a similar situation in the defunct South-Western Nigeria between Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola led to the truncation of Nigeria’s first republic. History can brutally repeat itself if people refuse to learn,” he cautioned.
As tension continues to rise in Rivers State, the INC has called on all political actors to exercise restraint and urged those dissatisfied with Governor Fubara’s leadership to demonstrate patience and wait for the next electoral cycle rather than resorting to violence. The congress congratulated the newly elected chairmen and council members and urged them to work towards restoring peace and order in the state.
Prof. Okaba concluded by urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately, ensuring that the political conflict in Rivers State does not spiral into a crisis that could jeopardize Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
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