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Communique Issued After the Emergency Expanded National Executive Council Meeting of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on the Political Crisis in Rivers State.
Held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Izon-Ware, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Preamble
1. An emergency expanded meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was convened to discuss critical issues affecting the ljaw people, with a particular focus on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including NEC members,leaders of the National Representatives Council, representatives from the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Eders (CITRE), Zonal and Chapter leaders of the INC, affiliate Ijaw organisations, past INC President s and other respected Ijaw leaders.
2. The session, presided over by the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, began with a moment of silence in honour of Chief, Sen., Dr., Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the former Chairman of the INC Board of Trustees, who passed away on February 17th, 2025. During his opening remarks, Prof. Okaba urged attendees to remain objective and non-partisan in their discussions, emphasizing that the resolutions reached would have a significant impact on the Ijaw Nation and Rivers State.
After extensive deliberations, the following observations and resolutions were made:
Observations
1. The Ijaw people host a major portion of Nigeria’s oil and Gas assets, yet they continue to face political marginalization and economic neglect. Additionally, the Ijaws suffer the exploration and exploitation without commensurate benefits.
2. Historically, Ijaw ancestors played a crucial role in both the foundations of Nigeria as the first tribe to arrive here and in Nigeria’s struggle for independence. Ijaws took the lead in actively fighting for the creation of Rivers State as well. As such, the Ija people remain key stakeholders in the development of both Rivers State and Nigeria.
3. Over the years, the Ijaw people have supported the emergence of governors from other ethnic groups in Rivers State, including Dr. Peter Odili (Ndoni), Sir Celestine Omehia (Ikwerre), Hon. Barr. Rotimi Amaechi (Ikwerre), and Barr. Nyesom Wike (Ikwerre). Notably, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan played a crucial role in Wike’s rise to power.
4. The Ijaw people have always stood behind past governors throughout their tenures, ensuring their successful completion of two-tenure administrations without external interference.
5. While acknowledging Barr. Nyesom Wike’s role in the election of Gov. Siminilayi (Ijaw), the INC, urged Wike to reciprocate the goodwill by supporting Fubara’s administration, just as Ijaws had backed him during his tenure.
6. The ongoing political conflict between Barr. Nyesom Wike and Gov. Siminilayi Fubara is unwarranted and has hindered peace, stability, and development in Rivers State and the Niger Delta. The crisis has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth hundreds of millions in naira.
Resolutions
The meeting, therefore, resolves as follows:
1. Gov. Siminilayi Fubara is a legitimate leader of Rivers State, and to the best of the INC’s knowledge, he has done nothing to justify the level of harassment and intimidation he is currently facing. Despite numerous political distractions, Gov. Fubara has made significant strides in increasing state revenue and implementing impactful infrastructure projects within two years in office. The INC fully supports him during these challenging times.
2. The INC appreciates the overwhelming support from Rivers people of different ethnic backgrounds, including Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ogba, Etche, Ndoni, and Egbema, who have stood by Governor Fubara throughout this crisis. This solidarity reinforces the fact that the political turmoil is not an ethnic conflict and that the Ijaw Nation is not declared hostilities against any individual or ethnic group. The INC remains committed to peace, unity, and the overall stability of Rivers State and Nigeria.
3. The INC strongly warns that any attempts to remove Governor Fubara from office or disrupt his administration by any means is an affront on the over 45 million Ijaws across the world, which could lead to severe consequences beyond the control of the Ijaw National leadership.
4. The INC expresses gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initial interventions in the Rivers State political crisis and urges him to intensify efforts to restore peace and order in the state.
5. The INC also commends Governor Fubara for his efforts towards complying with the dictates of the Supreme Court so far and urges all parties to do their part to speedily resolve the crisis.
Conclusion
The INC remains steadfast in its commitment to the stability and progress of Rivers State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigeria as a whole.
Long live Rivers State!
Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
INC President.
By: Divine Perezide
In a heartfelt message brimming with love and admiration, Ambassador Tom EBIAKPO WILLY has extended warm birthday wishes to his beautiful twin sisters, Ebikabo-ere and Ebisine , describing them as “precious gifts-radiant, loving, and full of grace.”
The distinguished Ambassador expressed deep affection and gratitude for the joy and light the twins bring into their family and the world at large. His message celebrated their positive influence, highlighting the beauty, kindness, and grace that define their lives.
In his touching note, Amb. Willy prayed for God’s supernatural blessings upon them, asking that they be favoured with long life, abundant grace, and unending joy. He further declared that their paths would continue to shine ever brighter, with every desire of their hearts manifesting in overflowing testimonies.
The emotional tribute concluded with words of encouragement and love, as he urged his twin sisters to “keep shinning beautifully,” a testament to the strong bond and affection that unite the strong bond and affection that unite the family.
The birthday message from from their big brother, Amb. Tom Ebiakpo Willy radiates as a glowing celebration of sisterhood from a loving brother, divine favour, and enduring family love.
By: Derick Peretengboro
A respected politicalleaderin BurutuLocalGovernmentArea, Rt. Hon. Chief Joseph Asiaye Alubeze has joined family, friends, and associates to celebrate Amb. Engr. Fred Sheriff Junior Oborevwori, son of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a congratulatory message released to newsmen in Burutu, Alubeze described the celebrant as one who has consistently demonstrated passion and commitment to the development and empowerment of young people across Delta State.
According to him, Amb. Fred Sheriff Junior Oborevwori has positively impacted countless youths in the state, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to thrive. He lauded him for his role in amplifying and driving the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, ensuring that its benefits are felt at the grassroots.
“On this special day, I, Rt. Hon. Chief Joseph Asiaye Alubeze, celebrate you and wish you many more fruitful years ahead in good health, joy, and greater accomplishments. May your path continue to shine brighter as you inspire others.
Happy birthday, Amb. Engr. Fred Oborovweri Jnr”.
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Tinubu Appointee, Madam Beauty Warejuwowei Celebrates Dr. Dennis Otuaro on His Birth Anniversary
By: Divine Perezide
Warrri, Delta State – Warri-based business magnate and Delta APC leader, Madam Beauty Warejuwowei, has joined well-wishers across the Niger Delta to celebrate Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), on the occasion of his birthday.
In a heartfelt felicitation signed on behalf of herself, her family, and political and business associates, Madam Beauty praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership qualities and selfless commitment to peace and development of the region.
“Your visionary, unwavering dedication, and commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta continue to inspire many. As you mark this special day, I pray for your good health, wisdom, and divine strength to enable you to continue your noble service to our people and the nation at large. Happy Birthday, and many happy returns,” she declared.
Madam Beauty Warejuwowei, who also serves in the President Tinubu’s administration as a Member of Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), noted that Dr. Otuaro’s efforts in steering the Presidential Amnesty Programme have further strengthened Federal initiatives aimed at fostering stability and empowering ex-agitators and youths across the oil-rich region.
She reiterated her confidence that with leaders like Otuaro, the Niger Delta will continue to witness peace,development, and sustained progress.