Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Backs State of Emergency, Calls for Leadership Change in INC

Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Backs State of Emergency, Calls for Leadership Change in INC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) has voiced its strong support for the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, while also calling for the resignation of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Professor Benjamin Okaba.

In a statement released following an emergency meeting on March 26, 2025, at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, RIPCO criticized the INC for its lack of proactive measures during the ongoing political crisis.

The statement was jointly signed by leaders of RIPCO, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Leader Rivers Ijaw Peoples’ Congress, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, Director General Hon Erastus Awortu.

The Congress noted that its attention has been drawn to the statements and communiqué issued during the emergency meeting styled ‘All-inclusive Critical Stakeholders Meeting on the State of the Ijaw Nation, particularly regarding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

RIPCO expressed disappointment in the INC’s response to the crisis, stating, “It is disheartening to witness respected elders lamenting over spilt milk from a leaking bowl when they could mend the bowl before any spillage occurred.”

The group accused the INC of standing aloof as the crisis escalated, asserting that Okaba’s leadership has failed to effectively manage the situation.

The statement further highlighted concerns about accountability within the INC, suggesting that Okaba and his associates may be exploiting the ongoing crisis for personal gain.

“If they were genuinely committed to resolving the issues affecting the state, they would have convened the all-inclusive critical stakeholders meeting earlier rather than waiting for the situation to escalate,” RIPCO stated.

RIPCO also condemned Okaba’s recent remarks during the stakeholders’ meeting, which they deemed provocative and inflammatory.

“The use of inflammatory rhetoric and emotions rarely produces productive outcomes. If the INC truly wishes to address the crisis, it must adopt a more diplomatic approach that encourages collaboration rather than conflict,” the statement emphasized.

The group called for a roundtable discussion among all feuding parties to find a lasting solution to the impasse, emphasizing the importance of unity among the Ijaw people and other ethnic groups in Rivers State.

“The current poor leadership of the INC has not only succeeded in factionalizing the once-united Ijaw nation but has also damaged the harmonious collaboration between the Ijaws and other ethnic nationalities,” RIPCO stated.

In a show of solidarity, RIPCO fully supported the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it has averted potential disasters in the region.

“His action has averted unimaginable consequences, such as destroying oil and gas infrastructure and a major physical clash between the warring political groups that could have set Rivers State and Nigeria backwards,” the statement read.

RIPCO also congratulated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas on his appointment as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, pledging to support his efforts to unite the state for the common good of all.