The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has made a fervent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to call the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to order regarding the ongoing political crises in Rivers State. This request comes amidst rising tensions between Wike and Governor Siminialayi Fubara, which the INC believes could have far-reaching implications for peace and stability across Nigeria.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, expressed deep concern over the potential fallout from the power struggle in the oil-rich state. He emphasized the need for decisive action to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. “Mr. President, sir, as the father of the nation and the alter ego of Nigeria, we are fervently appealing to you to call the FCT Minister to order. This is for the sake of peace and security in Nigeria. We must stop this drift towards national disintegration and anarchy now,” Okaba stated.

The conflict between Wike and Fubara has escalated over the control of the political machinery in Rivers State. Okaba suggested that Wike’s ambitions might be motivated by a desire to bolster Tinubu’s electoral chances in the upcoming general elections. “We understand the dictates of politics and the need to harvest Rivers votes for the President’s second tenure elections. However, what we misunderstand is the notion that only the FCT Minister can assist the President in winning Rivers,” he remarked.

The INC President noted that Governor Fubara had consistently adhered to the President’s eight-point directive issued during a conflict resolution meeting in October 2023. This directive aimed to restore peace in Rivers and involved collaboration among stakeholders. “While many perceived the eight-point directive as skewed in favor of the FCT Minister, the governor accepted it in good faith,” Okaba explained.

Despite Fubara’s compliance, Okaba criticized Wike for his refusal to withdraw the legal actions he had initiated against the governor. This lack of cooperation, he argued, undermines the efforts to resolve the ongoing political crisis. He also pointed out that less than three weeks following the President’s directive, a significant political shift occurred when Martins Amaewhule led 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly in a defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).