Following his alleged role in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO) has knocked Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Speaking on behalf of RIPCO, the organisation’s leaders, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Director-General, Dr. Rowland Sekibo, and Secretary, Dr. Erastus Awortu said Okaba had the opportunity to water down the rift between the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers.
RIPCO lamented that instead of ending the rift as he promised a delegation comprising 200 Ijaw sons and daughters, Okaba chose to pitch a tent with Fubara.
In the open letter co-signed by the organisation’s leaders, they disputed Okaba’s claims that the Presidential peace accord favored Wike, yet Fubara fulfilled all conditions for peace within the agreement.
RIPCO views Okaba’s as a betrayal of his neutral position and a miscarriage of justice.
“We cautioned that if the INC took sides, it could lead to open conflict within the Ijaw community.
“Okaba’s premature condemnation of one party and open support of another undermine the principles of justice and fairness that the Ijaw people have always upheld,” the statement read partly.
Additionally, ghe organisation emphasised that the Ijaw people have long been known for their impartiality and commitment to fairness in handling disputes, regardless of the individuals involved.
They insisted on its call for fairness and unity, urging stakeholders to disregard Okaba’s baseless claims and prioritize lasting peace in Rivers State.
“We expect Professor Okaba and the INC leadership to guide themselves as statesmen in their conduct and utterances to uphold the unity, peace, and cohesiveness of the Ijaw people wherever they are found, particularly in Rivers State,” they stated.
