Tensions Rise as Ijaw Leaders Stand Firm Against Political Moves in Rivers State
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a stern warning against any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that such actions could destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.
Amidst growing political tension following the Supreme Court ruling on Rivers politics, the INC declared that it will not stand by if Fubara is removed from office.
Ijaw Nation: “We Will Defend Fubara with Every Pint of Blood”
In a powerful statement on Monday, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, accused the Supreme Court of ignoring the sacrifices the Ijaw people have made in shaping Rivers State’s governance.
He described the judgment as a direct attack on the first riverine governor in decades.
“The Ijaw people have always played a crucial role in Rivers politics, yet today, an Ikwerre political elite seeks to frustrate our first riverine governor.
We will defend Governor Fubara with every pint of blood in our veins.”
A History of Political Sacrifices
Prof. Okaba outlined key moments in Rivers State’s political history where the Ijaw people played a decisive role:
- 1999 – Ijaw leader Chief Marshall Harry helped Dr. Peter Odili secure the PDP ticket despite stiff opposition.
- 2003 – Marshall Harry backed Sergeant Awuse, but tragically, Harry himself was assassinated.
- 2007 – Ijaw figures like Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo ensured Celestine Omehia’s victory.
- 2011 – Ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi attempted to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, but Dame Patience Jonathan pushed for Nyesom Wike instead.
Okaba lamented that despite these sacrifices, Ijaws remain politically marginalized not just in Rivers State, but also in Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
A Warning to President Tinubu and the Federal Government
The INC did not mince words in warning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government.
Prof. Okaba stressed that if Fubara is removed, the INC cannot guarantee peace in the Niger Delta—a region responsible for the bulk of Nigeria’s oil revenue.
“For years, we have ensured peace, leading to increased oil production and revenue for the nation. But now, the same resources are being used to marginalize the Ijaw people.
If Fubara is forcefully removed, we cannot guarantee continued peace or stable oil production.”
What’s Next for Rivers State?
With tensions at an all-time high, political analysts fear that Rivers State could be heading toward a major crisis if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the power struggle.
Many now look to President Tinubu and national leaders to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
The INC has made its position clear—any move against Fubara could come at a heavy price.
💬 What do you think about the unfolding crisis in Rivers State? Should the federal government intervene? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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