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Rivers Crisis: INC Commends Ijaw People for Avoiding Crisis, Calls on Nigerians to Rise Up Loudly and Fiercely Against the Enemies of Democracy
By Perez Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has expressed gratitude to the Ijaw people for avoiding what it described as a “booby trap” allegedly set by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his federal allies. According to the President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the plan aimed to plunge Ijaw communities into a crisis that could justify emergency rule in Rivers State.
In a statement, in Yenagoa ,Prof. Benjamin Okaba commended the women of Abalama for their peaceful protest against what he called an “orchestrated show of shame,” attended only by Wike’s loyalists and a rented crowd from outside Ijaw land. He also praised the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, for cancelling their proposed meeting at Abalama in response to the advice of Ijaw elders and opinion leazders.
Additionally, he acknowledged the great wisdom of King Asari Dokubo for withdrawing his surveillance personnel from the Emouha-Kalabari road to prevent unwarranted confrontation and bloodshed.The President of INC also appreciate those who embarked on peaceful protest across ijaw nation against Wike and his co travellers for insulting the sensitivity of the ljaw people.
Okaba warned of a broader political scheme targeted at democracy in Nigeria.
> “We call on Nigerians to stand against the enemies of democracy, a group of individuals who are bent on grabbing and retaining power at all costs,” he said.
The INC leader accused powerful figures in Abuja of backing Wike’s alleged plot to destabilize Rivers State as part of a grander plan for political dominance beyond 2027.
> “This is not about Rivers State or Ijaw people. It is a perfect example of a CLASS STRUGGLE between the few but POWERFUL politico economic conquerers and POWERLESS and masses. This is an orchestrated plan by an Abuja Syndicate, tacitly supported by President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Judiciary to stamp godfatherism and state capture across Nigeria, all to retain power undemocratically beyond 2027. At least the NJC report on the allegedly procured Supreme Court judgement in which matters like the Assembly Members defection that were never brought before it were adjudicated speaks to this grand plan,” Okaba stated.
Raising concerns about the future implications of such political manoeuvres, Okaba questioned:
> “Today it is Ijaws and Rivers State, who knows who and where their next target is?”
According to him, those attempting to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resorted to inciting violence to justify the imposition of a state of emergency.
> “They’re now trapped in their own evil machination to oust Gov. Fubara, by all means, have repeatedly attempted to cause violence, hoping to enforce ‘State of Emergency’ and run Rivers State from one of the numerous kitchens in the villa, otherwise, what official function did Wike have in Abalama for theee helicopter gunships to hover around a community that is not at war with federal government yesterday?” he wondered.
While urging continued restraint, Okaba hinted at a future confrontation if genuine efforts are not put in place and urgently to stop this madness and the lNC should not be held accountable.
> “We therefore thank our people for their patience and encourage all to continue to be peaceful as the time for an all-out war on Wike and his Abuja supporters is yet to come. This is not a political godfather and godson matter, but an existential matter for not only Ijaw people but all oppressed Nigerians whom a handful of opportunists have continued to rape in the name of political skillfulness,” he declared.
The political tension in Rivers State has been escalating amid a power struggle between Governor Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The INC’s statement highlights growing concerns over external interference and the potential implications for democracy in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike was hosted during the thanksgiving ceremony of one of his loyalist who’s federal government appointment (Wike) had influenced at Abalamain Kalabari land days after he made derogatory statements about Ijaws over the protracted political.
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
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Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.