By Seyi Odewale
The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) has criticised the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and its leadership, accusing them of bad faith, malice, and duplicity in the Rivers State political imbroglio.
In a statement by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, leader of Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, Dr Rowland Sekibo, Director-General and Erastus Awortu, Secretary, RIPCO, particularly frowned at Prof Benjamin Okaba’s (INC president) use of indecorous language against former Rivers governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
RIPCO said that rather than being an impartial arbiter, INC and her supporters hid behind ‘an Ijaw agenda’ to malign Wike, who had supported an Ijaw son to become governor after 24 years of elusive search for the state’s number one job.
The statement called for constructive engagement and dialogue with critical Stakeholders rather than Okaba and the INC’s aggressive, arrogant posture.
The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) 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”, held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
It is generally commendable for the Ijaw community to convene and discuss issues that impact their collective existence. However, 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.
“While we do not wish to engage in disputes with the Ijaw National Congress or the “All-inclusive Critical Stakeholders,” it is concerning that the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, seems to involve innocent elders in a narrative that could tarnish their hard-earned reputations.
“This situation raises questions about accountability and leadership as they attempt to address problems in which they are complicit in their escalation.
“Moreover, this narrative highlights a broader issue within their leadership dynamics. As Prof Okaba may recognise, attempting to “close the barn door after the horse has bolted” is an ineffective response to critical situations.
“It is disheartening when elders, who are expected to lead with wisdom and foresight, fail to act decisively during crises. Instead of taking responsibility for their inaction, they shift blame onto others, neglecting their role in preventing such crises. These reactions undermine their credibility and set a poor example for the Ijaw people, who look to them for guidance and stability in times of uncertainty.
The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress seeks to highlight the concerning motivations behind Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba and his associates, suggesting that they may be exploiting the ongoing crisis in Rivers State 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.
“The turmoil unfolding in Rivers State appears to align with Prof. Benjamin Okaba and his co-travellers interests, raising concerns about his dedication to preventing conflict and fostering peace. Rather than taking significant steps toward resolution, their actions seem more reactive than proactive.
“To illuminate this troubling pattern, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress wishes to share excerpts from Prof Okaba’s opening speech and the Resolutions at the Critical Stakeholders’ meeting he organised, which he asserts aims to find a lasting solution to the crisis.”
