The Ijaw National Congress (INC), led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has been criticised by the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) for its opposition to Sir Siminialayi Fubara’s selection as Rivers State’s governor in 2023. Following Okaba’s recent attacks of former Governor Nyesom Wike, the RRM, which had backed Wike’s selection of Fubara, responded.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, RRM questioned when the INC developed its newfound support for Fubara. The group recalled that INC had previously criticized Fubara, labeling him a “fake Ijaw man,” and noted its opposition to his candidacy during the election.
According to THE NATION reports, RRM said: “The Benjamin Okaba-led INC worked against the emergence of Gov Sim Fubara in 2023 when Nyesom Wike, with divine support and his loyal followers, ensured Fubara’s victory. One wonders about this sudden shift in their position.”
The RRM also criticized the INC for questioning President Bola Tinubu’s role in resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The group argued that President Tinubu had been instrumental in brokering a peace deal between Fubara and other political factions in December 2023. According to RRM, the INC has remained silent on Fubara’s failure to uphold key elements of the agreement reached in the peace deal.
RRM highlighted several instances where Fubara allegedly violated the agreement, including his refusal to recognize the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martins Ahmaehule and his reluctance to allow the Rivers State House of Assembly to conduct its legislative functions independently. The group also pointed out Fubara’s failure to re-submit the 2024 budget, as agreed, and his interference in local government affairs.
The RRM accused the INC of remaining silent throughout these violations, questioning why it had now chosen to speak out. The group reiterated that 90 percent of Ijaw politicians and key stakeholders who supported Fubara in 2023 remain loyal to Wike’s leadership.
RRM advised the INC to apologize to the people of Rivers State for its earlier opposition to Fubara’s candidacy. The group also urged Wike to disregard the INC’s recent statements, asserting that Ijaw leaders remain loyal and committed to completing the political tenure of the Ijaws through a democratic process.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
