The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has come down hard on the Ijaw National Congress, INC, and its leadership accusing it of bad faith, malice and duplicity in the Rivers political imbroglio.
In a press statement signed by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, leader of Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress; Hon. Rowland Sekibo, Ph. D, Director-General and Hon. 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 rather than being an impartial arbiter, INC and her supporters hid under ‘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 the aggressive, arrogant posture of Okaba and the INC.
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, 26th March 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.
1. Paragraph 5 of his speech states: “The recent imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of our dear son, His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, under whatever guise, constitute a grave assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate. This audacious infraction on our people in Rivers State (who have been out of governance for 24 years) is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental challenge to the constitutional framework that safeguards the rights and autonomy of every Nigerian citizen. It is a clarion call for the Ijaw Nation, and all advocates of justice at the national and international levels, to stand unequivocally in defence of constitutional order and the inherent right of every ethnic nationality to prosper without coercion or suppression”.
The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) considers the statement as crying over spilt milk in the light of recent events in Rivers State. On June 04, 2024, a delegation of over two hundred members of RIPCO met with Prof. Benjamin Okaba in Ijaw House, Yenagoa. The primary purpose of this meeting was to appeal for his assistance in assembling a coalition of Ijaw leaders to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. Recognising the urgency of the situation, RIPCO also held discussions with the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council, resulting in a mutual agreement that both organisations would collaborate constructively to intervene in the crisis.
Just a week later, Prof. Okaba visited Rivers State and met with the leadership of RIPCO to discuss and agree on the way forward. However, the anticipated path toward a peaceful resolution took an unexpected turn. Rather than championing the previously agreed upon collaborative efforts, Prof. Okaba aligned himself with Governor Sim Fubara and became engrossed in the crisis. This shift in allegiance, particularly his public criticisms of His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, further escalated the delicate situation. The ramifications of this decision have been significant, undermining the collective pursuit of peace and stability in Rivers State and raising concerns about the future of Ijaw unity and leadership in addressing the pressing challenges facing them. It may not be out of context to assume that Prof. Okaba lacks the qualities necessary to lead the people. He does not appear to be an effective manager of those he presides over.
2. Paragraph 6 of his speech reads thus: “The recent unguided, disgustive, inflammatory and provocative utterances and actions taken against us by that Ikwerre-born inconsequential drunk and cheap drug addict, with the support of a few of our own Rivers Ijaw brothers, and in connivance with the powers-that-be in the three arms of our government are condemnable. These actions and inactions, emanating from these highly placed and sensitive quarters, have only exacerbated our fury. These also constitute the denigration, oppression, and mockery of our collective reputation”.
The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress strongly condemns Prof. Benjamin Okaba’s recent provocative statements given above. It is particularly troubling that the Ijaw elders who were convened to seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis did not reprimand Prof. Okaba for his comments. Instead, they applauded him, indicating a troubling disconnect in leadership. If the Ijaw National Congress (INC) is genuinely committed to facilitating dialogue and resolving the issues in Rivers State, it must first refrain from using derisive language towards those it considers part of the problem.
Such arrogance undermines the potential for constructive dialogue and alienates potential allies in the quest for peace. It is essential to remind Prof. Okaba and his team that the ability to engage in respectful and meaningful conversation is a crucial component of the negotiation process. The use of inflammatory rhetoric and emotions rarely produces productive outcomes—just as a person seeking peace should communicate with humility and respect rather than resorting to provocation based on emotion. If the INC truly wishes to address the crisis and pave the way for a sustainable and peaceful resolution, it must adopt a more diplomatic approach. ”
Read full statement below
