RRM Berates INC President Okaba Over Remarks on Rivers Assembly, Wike

By Emma Sunday

The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) has berated the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, over his remarks against the Rivers State House of Assembly and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing it divisive and damaging.

RRM in a statement jointly signed by its Director General, Hon. Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, expressed deep concern over Okaba’s criticisms, describing them as “overtly biased” and “regrettable,” and warning that they risk inflaming divisions within the Ijaw community and undermining constitutional institutions.

The statement reads in part, “RRM described Okaba’s comments as “overtly biased” and “regrettable,” stressing that such positions risk inflaming divisions within the Ijaw community and undermining constitutional institutions.

“The movement called on INC leaders to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from making statements that could be seen as favoring one political faction over another, especially in matters that directly involve Ijaw representatives on both sides of the political spectrum.”

The Group questioned Okaba’s sudden support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, given the INC’s opposition to his emergence in 2023, and asked if Fubara is “more Ijaw” than the nine-plus Ijaw legislators who were allegedly marginalized.

They urged INC leaders to adopt a neutral stance and refrain from statements favouring any political faction, especially when Ijaw representatives are involved.

The movement also criticized Okaba’s inflammatory rhetoric, saying it undermines regional efforts towards dialogue and reconciliation, and called on Ijaw leaders to urge Okaba to exercise restraint or step aside.

The group said, “The movement highlighted It is a matter of fact that the Benjamin Okaba–led INC openly worked against the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2023 governorship election. Conversely, the political leader of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, with divine support and the commitment of his followers, ensured Governor Fubara’s victory.

“The sudden show of support by the INC leadership therefore raises serious questions about motive, especially given previous claims that Governor Fubara was “not a true Ijaw man.”

RRM called on well-meaning Ijaw leaders, elders, political figures, royal fathers, and clergy to urge Professor Okaba to exercise restraint or step aside, warning that his reckless statements have heightened tensions and destabilized an already fragile political environment.

The group urged the Amaewhule led River Assembly to remain steadfast in defending democracy, as provided under Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor violating constitutional provisions.