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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF RIVERS ELDERS AND LEADERS FORUM HELD
19 DECEMBER, 2023 IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.
Rising from an emergency meeting of Rivers Elders and Leaders
Forum held 19 December, 2023 in response to the intervention
and directives of the President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the
current political crisis in Rivers State.
We recall that in our communiqué of 17th and 18th December,
2023, we urged Mr. President to intervene in the political crisis in
Rivers State, for which we commend his prompt intervention
between Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the Executive
Governor of Rivers State but we are at a loss as to whether his
intervention has solved the problem or escalated it.
A review of Mr. President‟s directives for the resolution of
the political impasse in Rivers State showed that:
1. That the directives contravene the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which Mr. President swore to
uphold at all times. The directives unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by virtue of an attempt to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable
Edison Ehie as the speaker and directing that the remainder of members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business.
2. That the directive also contravenes the hallowed doctrine and practice of separation of powers, particularly as it affect the responsibility of the judiciary. CAN MR. PRESIDENT OR THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT OVERRULE THE DECISIONS OF COURTS OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION?
This portends executive rascality which undermines our constitutional democracy, rule of law and good governance.
3. The directives to the parties were one sided in favour of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory and at the detriment of the Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers
State.
4. In the eyes of the law and due process, as evidenced by the Rivers State High Court decision, that the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and his team has ceased to exist in the state House of Assembly having defected to another political party, and therefore cannot be reinstated and remunerated through the back door.
5. It is the duty of the Executive arm of Government to provide accommodation for legislators in a constitutional democracy as exemplified by the FCT Minister with respect to the
National Assembly. It is therefore, hypocritical to suggest, that the Rivers State House of Assembly under Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule could
sit anywhere of their choice, whereas in Abuja, it is the FCT Minister, on behalf of the executive arm that provides
accommodation for Federal Legislators. The very reason why the FCT Minister was referred to as the “LANDLORD OF
ABUJA‟ by Mr. President at the presentation of the 2024 budget.
6. The directive to re-present the budget passed and signed into law is a clear attempt to ridicule and denigrate the office of the Governor and the good people of Rivers State including the Judiciary.
7. In Public Administration parlance, a person can exit service either by resignation, sack, voluntarily retirement or death. It is therefore preposterous for the President to direct that the people who have exited service for personal reasons be re-absorbed.
8. The Forum enjoined all responsible citizens of Rivers State to rise up in this our moment of truth, to salvage the soul of Rivers State. Our fathers fought for the creation of Rivers State, we will stand to defend it. “When injustice and
criminality become law and a way of life in the polity, resistance becomes a duty”.
9. Finally, the Forum condemns in its entirety, the directives for the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where only the courts can order
the reversal of acts done or carried out under the provisions of the law.
Therefore any resolution or directive that intends to undermine the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is unacceptable, null and void and will be resisted, using all constitutional means at our disposal.
Long live Rivers State and her People.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique was read by former Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.