*IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO INTERVENE IN RIVERS STATE CRISIS*

 

*IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO INTERVENE IN RIVERS STATE CRISIS*

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a press release expressing concern over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria. According to the release, the crisis is threatening democracy and aimed at impeaching Governor Siminalayi Fubara [1).

In October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, calling a stakeholders' meeting and issuing an 8-point directive to restore peace. However, the INC alleges that former Governor Nyesom Wike has refused to withdraw court cases and instead taken actions to undermine the peace process.

The INC praises Governor Fubara's good faith in implementing the presidential directive, withdrawing court cases, and reinstating removed executive council members. In contrast, Wike's actions are seen as detrimental to peace, including leading 25 Rivers State House of Assembly members to defect to the opposition All People's Congress (APC).

The INC questions President Tinubu's neutrality, citing federal institutions' willingness to follow Wike's directives, sealing local government secretariats, and granting orders barring police security [1).

*Key Concerns:*

- _Impeachment Threat_: Governor Fubara faces impeachment threats despite his efforts to maintain peace.

- _Local Government Elections_: Wike's group allegedly truncated elections, boycotting polls, instituting frivolous litigations, and committing arson.

- _President's Neutrality_: The INC doubts President Tinubu's neutrality, citing inaction against Wike's actions.

The INC appeals to President Tinubu to call Wike to order, ensuring peace, security, and tranquility in Nigeria.

Source:

¹ Ijaw National Congress Press Release