Ijaw Leaders, Youth Slam Rivers Elders’ Backing of Wike in Ongoing Dispute

In a recent turn of events in Rivers State, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought have launched a scathing attack on a group of elders from the state who voiced their support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, amidst his political clash with the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The INC, led by its National President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, expressed deep disappointment in Wike for his persistence in attempting to remove Governor Fubara from office. They urged Fubara to stand firm in his quest for justice and stability in the state.

The INC’s statement referred to the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, which took place on October 30, 2023. Many saw this move as orchestrated by Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current FCT Minister, and the INC condemned it as barbaric and self-serving. They voiced concerns that such actions could disrupt democratic consolidation and escalate into a crisis in the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The INC emphasized its commitment to justice and stability in Rivers State, defending Governor Fubara’s character and leadership qualities, which have earned him accolades from various sections of the state.

They also called for a smooth transition of political structures to the current governor, highlighting the need to maintain stability and development in the state. The Ijaw nation expressed gratitude to Nyesom Wike for helping their son become the governor but stressed the importance of allowing Fubara to govern effectively.

The Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought joined in the criticism of the Rivers State Elders Forum for their perceived bias in favor of Nyesom Wike. They condemned the elders’ endorsement of Wike’s actions, which they considered divisive and harmful to the state.

The youth leaders called on the elders to refrain from projecting the Ijaw Nation as seeking ethnic conflict and emphasized the historical support given to Wike by the Ijaw people in his political journey.

In conclusion, both the Ijaw leaders and youths are firmly in support of Governor Fubara and have expressed their determination to resist any form of intimidation from Nyesom Wike and his associates, urging well-meaning Nigerians to condemn these actions by the self-seeking elders.