The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has communicated to the Ijaw National Congress that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has shown considerable support for the Ijaw nation, countering claims from certain quarters linked to the political turmoil in Rivers State.
RIPCO, leading a delegation of its leaders to a crucial meeting with the INC, led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the Ijaw Youth Council at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, argued against the narrative that Wike harbored animosity towards the Ijaws. Instead, they emphasized his efforts to appoint Ijaw individuals to strategic positions during his tenure as governor and noted his role in securing federal appointments for Ijaw leaders.
The delegation’s leaders, Senator Alabo George Sekibo and Hon. Boma Iyaye, stressed the importance of the INC remaining neutral in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. They pointed out that although the current Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has conflicts with his mentor Wike, the reasons behind their feud have not been disclosed to the Ijaw nation.
Sekibo stated, “Ijaws are minorities in Rivers State. We can’t win elections on our own. We have to work with other ethnicities in Rivers State.”
He added, “Wike does not despise Ijaw people contrary to claims in some quarters. Five out of the nine federal appointments he facilitated to Rivers State were given to Ijaw leaders.”
Sekibo also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation with other ethnic groups in the state, noting that without such collaboration, the Ijaw people would struggle politically. He affirmed that while RIPCO supports Governor Fubara and prays for his wisdom, they believe he is being distracted by the ongoing conflict.
Sekibo appealed to the Okaba-led INC to avoid taking sides in the crisis and to work diligently to resolve the political misunderstanding for the benefit of the Ijaw nation.
In response, Okaba reaffirmed the INC’s commitment to peace, unity, and development across the Ijaw nation, including in Rivers State. He stated that the INC would collaborate with any organization that benefits the Ijaw people, underscoring the paramount importance of Ijaw interests.
Okaba remarked, “We will support any group that will benefit Ijaw people. In the same manner, we are going to fight any group that is against the progress of the Ijaw Nation.”
He expressed gratitude to Wike for his support of Ijaw leadership in Rivers State and acknowledged the historical support of Ijaw people in Wike’s political career. Okaba also highlighted the INC’s stance against attacks on Niger Delta leaders, reiterating the organization’s mandate to protect Ijaw interests.
Okaba concluded, “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.”
He also urged support for Governor Fubara, emphasizing the importance of respecting his position as the current governor, and called for peace and appreciation for both Fubara and Wike.
