Forum pledges support for Ibas’ efforts at ensuring peace, stability in Rivers

An interest group, Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Forum (RIPCOF), has pledged support for the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, in his efforts at ensuring peace and stability in the state.

The forum gave the pledge in a statement jointly signed by its Leader, Sen. George Sekibo, and the Secretary, Mr Erastus Awortu, on Thursday in Abuja.

Supreme news reports that President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, suspended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Gov. Ngozi Odu and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Consequently, he announced the appointment of Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

Supreme news also reports that the declaration of emergency rule was sequel to the lingering political crisis Fubara and the state assembly which was threatening the security of the state.

The forum, in the statement, welcomed Ibas’ appointment and pledged to give him every support in his efforts at uniting the state for the common good of all.

“The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress fully supports President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers.

“His action has averted unimaginable consequences, such as destroying oil and gas infrastructure and a major physical clash between the warring political groups that could have set Rivers and Nigeria backwards,” it said.

The group advised all feuding parties to take advantage of the window provided by the state of emergency and commence a roundtable to find lasting solutions to the impasse.

It disagreed with the position of the President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, on the situation in Rivers.

Supreme news reports that Okaba had described the emergency rule and suspension of Fubara as an assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

Sekibo, however, described the statement by Okaba as unnecessary, saying that he (Okaba) would have taken a more proactive stance during the turbulent times rather than wait till now.

“Okaba and his dedicated team must recognise that when we respond to goodwill with hostility, we reduce the chances of receiving further goodwill in return.

“The principle of reciprocity is essential for fostering harmonious relationships.

“INC should be mindful of the peaceful coexistence of the Ijaws with other ethnic groups in Rivers,” he said.