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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.
IduwiniVoice Social
The Indorowei family of Liomoni Quarters, Okunwei family of Ewodeware Quarters, Donye of Azina-ware Quarters, all of Ofougbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA announce the burial ceremony of their illustrious son and father, Late Capt. Edward Olayerinmene Forcados, who passed at the age of 84.
Service of Songs:
4pm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at his residence, Efosa Street, Off Jakpa Road, Effurun
Funeral Rites:
10am, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, body leaves Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary for his hometown, Ofougbene via MillarJetty, for funeral rites and Interment.
An All-night Social Wake-keeping follows from 7pm till dawn.
(c) IduwiniVoiceTv
By: Daire Perez
As the third phase national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), I, General Godstime Ogidigba, would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the PAP administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The launch of the second phase of laptop distribution to amnesty scholarship beneficiaries is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the learning and research capabilities of our students. I am proud of the strides his administration has taken to prioritize the welfare of our students, marking a significant shift in the narrative of the PAP program.
Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has witnessed a positive transformation. For the first time in almost a decade, we are seeing tangible results that reflect the program’s true potential. His commitment to the welfare of our students is commendable, and I am confident that his administration will continue to yield positive outcomes.
As the third phase national chairman, I am delighted to give Dr. Otuaro my full support and backing. His leadership style, which prioritizes listening to the people and addressing their needs, is a breath of fresh air. I believe he is the right person to take the PAP program to greater heights, and I look forward to seeing more positive developments under his administration.
Dr. Otuaro’s efforts have brought the PAP program into the limelight, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His dedication to improving the lives of our students is a testament to his character, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a lasting impact. I wish him all the best in his endeavors and assure him of my unwavering support.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the PAP program. I am confident that under his guidance, the program will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and may God bless you for your service.
IduwiniVoice
Commrade Solomon Gbegha, former chairman of Odimodi Community, has extended warm felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Elder (Capt.) King Joseph Timiyan (JP), Torububou 1, Agbonu, the revered king of Ogulagha kingdom, on the occasion of his 20th Coronation Anniversary.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Gbegha congratulated the monarch for his peaceful leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the unity and progress of the Ogulagha kingdom and the Niger Delta region of large.
He further wished the royal father a long, peaceful, and prosperous reign, praying that God continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and good health to leader his people to greater heights.