Wike Abalama’s Visit: INC Hails Ijaws For Avoiding Crisis, Calls on Nigerians to Rise Up Loud and Fiercely Against Enemies of Democracy 

By Stephen Asabase, senior correspondent

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has expressed gratitude to the Ijaw people for avoiding what it described as a “booby trap” allegedly set by former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his federal allies. According to the President of INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the plan aimed to plunge Ijaw communities into a crisis that could justify emergency rule in Rivers State.

According to a statement signed by its president, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, in Yenegoa, commended the women of Abalama for their peaceful protest against what he called an “orchestrated show of shame,” attended only by Wike’s loyalists and a rented crowd from outside Ijaw land. He also praised the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, for cancelling their proposed meeting at Abalama in response to the advice of Ijaw elders and opinion leazders.

Additionally, he acknowledged the great wisdom of King Asari Dokubo for withdrawing his surveillance personnel from the Emouha-Kalabari road to prevent unwarranted confrontation and bloodshed.The President of INC also appreciate those who embarked on peaceful protest across ijaw nation against Wike and his co travellers for insulting the sensitivity of the ljaw people.

Okaba warned of a broader political scheme targeted at democracy in Nigeria.

“We call on Nigerians to stand against the enemies of democracy, a group of individuals who are bent on grabbing and retaining power at all costs,” he said.

The INC leader accused powerful figures in Abuja of backing Wike’s alleged plot to destabilize Rivers State as part of a grander plan for political dominance beyond 2027.

“This is not about Rivers State or Ijaw people. It is a perfect example of a CLASS STRUGGLE between the few but POWERFUL politico economic conquerers and POWERLESS and masses. This is an orchestrated plan by an Abuja Syndicate, tacitly supported by President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Judiciary to stamp godfatherism and state capture across Nigeria, all to retain power undemocratically beyond 2027. At least the NJC report on the allegedly procured Supreme Court judgement in which matters like the Assembly Members defection that were never brought before it were adjudicated speaks to this grand plan,” Okaba stated.

Raising concerns about the future implications of such political manoeuvres, Okaba questioned:

“Today it is Ijaws and Rivers State, who knows who and where their next target is?”

According to him, those attempting to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resorted to inciting violence to justify the imposition of a state of emergency.

“They’re now trapped in their own evil machination to oust Gov. Fubara, by all means, have repeatedly attempted to cause violence, hoping to enforce ‘State of Emergency’ and run Rivers State from one of the numerous kitchens in the villa, otherwise, what official function did Wike have in Abalama for theee helicopter gunships to hover around a community that is not at war with federal government yesterday?” he wondered.

While urging continued restraint, Okaba hinted at a future confrontation if genuine efforts are not put in place and urgently to stop this madness and the lNC should not be held accountable.

“We therefore thank our people for their patience and encourage all to continue to be peaceful as the time for an all-out war on Wike and his Abuja supporters is yet to come. This is not a political godfather and godson matter, but an existential matter for not only Ijaw people but all oppressed Nigerians whom a handful of opportunists have continued to rape in the name of political skillfulness,” he added.

The political tension in Rivers State has been escalating amid a power struggle between Governor Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The INC’s statement highlights growing concerns over external interference and the potential implications for democracy in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike was hosted during the thanksgiving ceremony of one of his loyalist who’s federal government appointment (Wike) had influenced.