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Rivers Crisis: INC Restates Support For Fubara, Warns Wike To Retrace Steps
The umbrella body of Ijaws in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, has restated its unflinching support and unwavering commitment to protect and defend Sir Siminalayi Fubara to serve out his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
The INC also cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to retrace his “incidious steps, and stop fanning the embers of discord, disunity and violence in the State”.
The body further charged Wike to focus on his mandate in Abuja, and appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to quickly call the FCT Minister to order, to avoid escalating the crisis, he had triggered in the state for his selfish gains.
This was contained in a statement signed by the INC President, Prof Benjamin Okaba.
The socio-political governing body of the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, warned that the entire Ijaw nation, both at home and abroad, was totally united in support of truth, justice and fair play, and would stand by Fubara to ensure that nobody, not even Wike, bullies him while in office.
The statement titled: “Ijaw National Congress (INC), and the State of Affairs in Rivers State”, on Saturday, read in full:
“When the political crisis that engulfed Rivers State burst into the open in the last days of October, 2023, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, as the body overseeing the affairs of Ijaws globally, which constitute the single largest ethnic group in the state and therefore a critical stakeholder, waded into the matter on the side of justice, truth and equity.
“The INC and by extension, the Ijaw nation, was utterly dismayed by the the crude attempt by men in official uniform to impeach and inflict mental and physical injuries on His Excellency, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Joseph Fubara, a sitting Governor, who is in the process of building an administrative mechanism for the rapid development of Rivers State. In the process, his life was put into jeopardy, through the deployment of armed federal security operatives who freely used teargas and live bullets on a sitting Governor.
“The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, has in the past, stood on the side of truth and good governance during administrations led by non-Ijaw leaders and will continuously stand firm on the side of truth and good governance.
“We, therefore, would not shy away from towing the same courageous path in expressing our unequivocal support for the current Governor of Rivers State, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Fubara, who is a worthy son of the Ijaw nation.
“We salute all other Rivers people who joined their Ijaw brothers and sisters in defence of truth that Governor Fubara had committed no act by omission or commission, worthy of impeachment.
“We also recognise and applaud the quick intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose quick response to calls by Chief Senator E.K Clarke and other leaders across Nigeria, put a temporary stop to the crude, dangerous and reckless usurpation of the authority of Governor Fubara in Rivers State.
“The point is not lost on all and sundry that Rivers State is crucial to the stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a country. An attempt as the one under reference and/or any further threat by anyone to disrupt the peace of Rivers State bothers on open rebellion and treason.
”In the light of the foregoing and after due peer review mechanisms with leaders and other ethnic nationalities, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Worldwide, makes the following interventions:
“We salute the patriotic sense of duty and calm responsibility exhibited by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, even in the face of insane taunting and provocation by those who do not wish Rivers State any good. The governor’s extraordinary step of rendering an apology to his people who were embarrassed and traumatized by the ill-intentioned acts of a few, greatly doused the tension in the state.
“We urgently call on all political players in Rivers State to play their duty to their constituents and forthwith cease from any further acts capable of slurring the sanctity of the office, institution and person of the Governor of all Rivers People.
“We specifically appeal to Chief Barr E.N. Wike to retrace his steps from stoking division of any sort against the government of the day under the guise of protecting his “structure”.
“The political structure to which he refers, should not be rolled up with the structure of the Government of Governor Fubara as one entity under anyone’s thumb.
“On our part, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, at all levels and organs across Ijawland and the diaspora should be alive to the sacred responsibility of watching over and protecting the interests of our people anywhere and anytime.
“We urge all our people to remain vigilant, steadfast and and continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and brotherhood in Rivers State, the Niger Delta and everywhere.
“Finally, we urge Governor Siminialayi Fubara to keep faith with his oath of office and his pact with the good people of Rivers State, in his usual meek firmness.
“To all, we urge in the words of the timeless jingle: “Love Rivers State or leave her alone, don’t pull her down”.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.