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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.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice