The Prof. Benjamin Okaba-led Ijaw National Congress, INC, Worldwide, has expressed its total support for Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State like it had always done for other non-Ijaw leaders in its pursuit of justice, truth, equity and good governance.

The INC, among other interventions released and signed by its President, also called on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a former governor of the State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to "retrace his steps from stoking divisions" in the State.

The full statement titled 'Ijaw National Congress (INC), and State of Affairs in Rivers State', reads:

"When the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State burst into the open in the last days of October, 2023, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, as the body overseeing the affairs of Ijaws globally, which constitute the single largest ethnic group in the state and therefore a critical stakeholder, waded into the matter on the side of justice, truth and equity.

"The INC and by extension, the Ijaw nation, was utterly dismayed by the crude attempt by men in official uniform to impeach and inflict mental and physical injuries on His Excellency, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Joseph Fubara, a sitting Governor, who is in the process of building an administrative mechanism for the rapid development of Rivers State. In the process, his life was put into jeopardy, through the deployment of armed federal security operatives who freely used teargas and live bullets on a sitting Governor.

"The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, has in the past, stood on the side of truth and good governance during administrations led by non-Ijaw leaders and will continuously stand firm on the side of truth and good governance.

"We, therefore, would not shy away from towing the same courageous path in expressing our unequivocal support for the current Governor of Rivers State, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Fubara, who is a worthy son of the Ijaw nation.

"We salute all other Rivers people who joined their Ijaw brothers and sisters in defence of truth that Governor Fubara had committed no act by omission or commission, worthy of impeachment.

"We also recognise and applaud the quick intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose quick response to calls by Chief Senator E.K Clarke and other leaders across Nigeria, put a temporary stop to the crude, dangerous and reckless usurpation of the authority of Governor Fubara in Rivers State.

"The point is not lost on all and sundry that Rivers State is crucial to the stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a country. An attempt as the one under reference and/or any further threat by anyone to disrupt the peace of Rivers State bothers on open rebellion and treason.

"In the light of the foregoing and after due peer review mechanisms with leaders and other ethnic nationalities, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, makes the following interventions:

"(a.) We salute the patriotic sense of duty and calm responsibility exhibited by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, even in the face of insane taunting and provocation by those who do not wish Rivers State any good. The governor's extraordinary step of rendering an apology to his people who were embarrassed and traumatized by the ill-intentioned acts of a few, greatly doused the tension in the state.

"(b.) We urgently call on all political players in Rivers State to play their duty to their constituents and forthwith cease from any further acts capable of slurring the sanctity of the office, institution and person of the Governor of all Rivers People.

"(c.) We specifically appeal to Chief Barr. E. N. Wike to retrace his steps from stoking division of any sort against the government of the day under the guise of protecting his "structure". The political structure to which he refers, should not be rolled up with the structure of the Government of Governor Fubara as one entity under anyone's thumb.

"(d.) On our part, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, at all levels and organs across Ijawland and the diaspora should be alive to the sacred responsibility of watching over and protecting the interests of our people anywhere and anytime.

"(e.) We urge all our people to remain vigilant, steadfast and continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and brotherhood in Rivers State, the Niger Delta and everywhere.

"(f.) Finally, we urge Governor Siminialayi Fubara to keep faith with his oath of office and his pact with the good people of Rivers State, in his usual meek firmness.

"(g.) To all, we urge in the words of the timeless jingle: 'Love Rivers State or leave her alone, don't pull her down'," Prof. Okaba added.

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