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The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government regarding its decision to withhold statutory allocations to Rivers State, following a high court ruling.
The organization cautioned that failure to comply with the court’s decision could lead to serious repercussions.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of INC, made this statement during the 10th Anniversary of the Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) held in Warri, Delta State.
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He emphasized the provocative nature of the court’s ruling, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt federal allocations to local government areas in Rivers State.
Okaba advised President Bola Tinubu to handle the situation in Rivers State with care, as it is becoming increasingly contentious.
He warned, “If the alleged persistent and discriminative assault on Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues unchecked, they will surely get what they want from the Ijaw nation.”
He further stated, “Let me use this opportunity to advise the Federal Government, led by Bola Tinubu, to be very conscious of handling and managing the crisis in Rivers State. In light of the High Court judgement stopping or renting statutory allocations to Rivers State, INC considers that as very provocative to the Niger Delta and it is also unconstitutional.”
Emphasizing the potential consequences of ongoing discrimination and intimidation, Okaba asserted, “We want to make it clear also to the entire world that if the persistence of the discriminatory attack, insult, and intimidation of the governor continues unchecked, there might be dire consequences.”
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Recalling the words of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, he said, “If you deny the Ijaw people, even if it is 50 percent of their God-given wealth, a day will come; a day will surely come when the Ijaws will revolt back.”
He urged the Federal Government to approach the Rivers crisis with caution.
He called for calm among the Ijaw community, reassuring them that the court’s judgment would not endure.
Okaba praised the IWC for its role in supporting the Ijaw struggle and encouraged its members to continue their efforts.
His Highness Godspower Tam Oporoma, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, dismissed claims that Ijaw women were barred from discussing socio-political issues.
He stated, “In Ijaw culture, there were no norms or taboos where no woman could talk or comment on issues affecting them,” urging IWC members to remain active in socio-political matters.
Dr. Vivian Dabota Ige Elenwo, President of Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) Worldwide, expressed gratitude for the organization’s achievements in empowering Ijaw women and emphasized the importance of participation in socio-political and economic issues.
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She praised the founder of IWC, Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone, for her visionary leadership and commitment to the group’s mission.
“We want to appreciate the founder and pioneer president, Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone, for her unwavering dedication, leadership, and foresight to lay the foundation for the success of this organisation,” she said.
