The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), has condemned what it described as divisive and damaging statements by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) against Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Hon. Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, RRM which is one of the political group that actively supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s election in 2023, expressed deep concern over Okaba’s criticisms of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which includes at least nine Ijaws as members.
The group described Okaba’s comments as “overtly biased” and “regrettable,” warning that such positions risk inflaming divisions within the Ijaw community and undermining constitutional institutions.
RRM urged the INC leader to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from statements favoring any political faction, particularly when Ijaw representatives are involved, saying that such position risk inflaming divisions within the Ijaw community and undermining constitutional institutions.
“The movement called on INC leaders to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from making statements that could be seen as favoring one political faction over another, especially in matters that directly involve Ijaw representatives on both sides of the political spectrum.”
It further alleged that the Okaba-led INC had openly opposed Governor Fubara’s emergence in 2023, while Wike’s leadership ensured his victory.
RRM questioned whether Fubara is “more Ijaw” than the nine-plus Ijaw legislators who were allegedly denied allowances, harassed, and prevented from performing their duties for nearly two years, and asked why Okaba remained silent while these members faced marginalization.
The group also criticized the INC for inflammatory remarks at a time when regional bodies such as PANDEF are advocating dialogue and reconciliation.
“The movement highlighted It is a matter of fact that the Benjamin Okaba–led INC openly worked against the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2023 governorship election. Conversely, the political leader of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, with divine support and the commitment of his followers, ensured Governor Fubara’s victory.
“The sudden show of support by the INC leadership therefore raises serious questions about motive, especially given previous claims that Governor Fubara was “not a true Ijaw man,” the group said.
RRM further called on well-meaning Ijaw leaders, elders, politicians, royal fathers, and clergy to prevail on Professor Okaba to exercise restraint or step aside, warning that his statements have heightened tensions and destabilized an already fragile political environment in Rivers.
The group urged the Martin Amaewhule led Rivers State House of Assembly to remain steadfast in defending democracy, as provided under Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor violating constitutional provisions.
