Professor Benjamin Okaba is the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC). He speaks with EBENEZER ADUROKIYA on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
Sir, PANDEF met with the President earlier this week. Do you think that meeting could engender a solution to the political impasse in Rivers?
The meeting between the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the President is a welcome development, as PANDEF has always played a stabilising role in the affairs of the Niger Delta. However, while the engagement is a step in the right direction, the ultimate resolution of the crisis in Rivers State requires sincerity from all stakeholders, particularly Mr President and those directly involved. The political actors in Rivers must prioritise the interests of the people above personal ambitions. The President’s intervention will only be effective if it is backed by genuine reconciliation efforts and respect for democratic norms, not the apparently one-sided instructions he seems to be issuing.
To what extent has the INC intervened in the Rivers impasse since it began, and what are they?
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been actively engaged in the matter from the onset, emphasising the need for peace, stability, and justice. We have held consultations with key stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders, urging them to embrace dialogue over confrontation. The INC has also issued statements cautioning against any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s mandate, as he was duly elected by the people. Additionally, we have called on security agencies to remain neutral and prevent the state from descending into anarchy.
What advice would you give Governor Fubara on the way forward for the sake of the Rivers people?
Governor Fubara must remain focused on his constitutional responsibilities and not be distracted by political intrigues. The people of Rivers State elected him to serve, and he must continue to govern with wisdom, patience, and fairness. While it is important to defend the integrity of his office, he must also seek reconciliation where necessary, provided it does not compromise the people’s mandate. I would advise him to continue extending the olive branch while ensuring that governance is not hindered by political distractions. The ultimate goal should be the development and stability of Rivers State.
The Niger Delta has the NDDC; why does the South-South still desire a South-South Development Commission?
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established to drive development in the region, but over the years, its effectiveness has been hindered by political interference, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The call for a South-South Development Commission stems from the need for a more focused and accountable mechanism that can directly address the peculiar challenges of the South-South region. While the NDDC serves a broad mandate covering multiple states, including Imo and Abia (which are also covered by the South-East Development Commission) and Ondo (covered by the South-West Development Commission), a South-South Development Commission would be better positioned to tailor development projects specifically to the economic, infrastructural, and environmental needs of the six states in the South-South geopolitical zone.
Do you fear Fubara could be impeached, and what do you think should be done to avert such an outcome?
The ongoing political tensions in Rivers State have raised concerns about possible moves to impeach Governor Fubara. However, any attempt to remove him through unfair means would be a grave injustice and a destabilising factor not just for Rivers State but for the entire Niger Delta. To avert such a scenario, I urge all parties to respect the principles of democracy and not hide under the rule of law to manipulate the will of the Rivers people. The governor and the legislators should continue engaging in dialogue to reach win-win solutions as he continues to implement the Supreme Court judgment. Other political stakeholders should act responsibly, while the judiciary must remain vigilant to prevent any illegal or politically motivated impeachment process. Rivers people must also stand firm in defending their democratic choice, as we, the Ijaw people, will not allow this opportunity to govern and spread development across the state to slip through our fingers. The Ijaw people will never accept such injustice in any guise.
In specific terms, what would the INC tell the people of Rivers State regarding the present political logjam?
The INC urges the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant and not allow political actors to manipulate them into unnecessary conflict. The peace and development of Rivers State should take precedence over partisan interests. We call on all stakeholders, including the youth, traditional leaders, and civil society groups, to advocate for peace, justice, equity, fairness, and good governance. Political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and legitimate legal means, not through violence or unconstitutional judicial manoeuvres. The will of the people must remain supreme.
What do you think would have been the reaction of Pa Edwin Clark if he were still alive, having mediated on the same issue?
Pa Edwin Clark was a towering figure in the Niger Delta’s struggle for justice, equity, and good governance. If he were alive, he would have taken a firm stance in calling for peace, respect for democratic principles, and the protection of Rivers State’s interests. He would have engaged all parties, emphasising the need for unity within the South-South region while resisting any form of external manipulation. His wisdom and moral authority would have been instrumental in guiding the state towards a peaceful resolution.
Do you think ethnically framing the Fubara issue, especially by the Ijaw people, has worsened the crisis?
No! In fact, it has only slowed down the enemies of equity—those who suddenly forgot how they were singlehandedly empowered by the Ijaw people and now think they did us an unmerited favour by supporting Fubara’s election. The Rivers political crisis is not an ethnic battle; it is a governance issue. We, the Ijaw people, like every other ethnic group, have the right to defend our interests. Our stance is simple: allow Fubara to govern in peace, as he has done nothing to warrant the gaslighting being meted out against him. This is about democracy, justice, and the sanctity of electoral mandates.
Governor Fubara is not the governor of the Ijaw people alone—he is the governor of all Rivers people. Therefore, whether the governor is an Ijaw, an Ogba, or an Ogoni man, all we are saying is that no Ikwerre or Ndoni man who ruled their tenures uninterrupted should dare to truncate his tenure out of deep-seated feelings of personal or ethnic superiority. What is needed now is for all groups in Rivers to rally around the governor and work towards a peaceful and progressive state.
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