A socio-political group, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Forum (RIPCOF), has demanded the immediate resignation of the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, accusing him of taking sides in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, and Hon. Erastus Awortu, the group alleged that Prof. Okaba had compromised the neutrality expected of the INC, thereby undermining the organisation’s credibility and unity efforts.

“The Ijaw National Congress is supposed to be a unifying force for all Ijaw people, especially in trying times like these. But unfortunately, Prof. Okaba has failed us by openly aligning with one faction of the political divide,” the statement read.

The group expressed concern that rather than promote peace and constructive dialogue, the INC leadership under Okaba had chosen a partisan path that may deepen divisions among Ijaw communities in Rivers State.

“Instead of engaging all stakeholders and working behind the scenes to restore calm, Prof. Okaba chose the path of partisanship. This is a betrayal of the trust we placed in him,” said Hon. Awortu.

RIPCOF further declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on the crisis, particularly the warning that a state of emergency could be declared if political tensions in the state are not resolved.

“The President’s intervention is timely. No one wants a breakdown of law and order in Rivers. It is the responsibility of elders and leaders like Prof. Okaba to de-escalate the situation, not to inflame it,” said Senator Sekibo.

They called on the INC President to resign immediately to pave the way for a more credible and neutral leadership that can mediate the political tensions and restore unity within the Ijaw nation.

“Prof. Okaba no longer possesses the moral authority to speak for us. We need a fresh voice that can command respect across political lines and rebuild confidence in the INC,” the forum stated.

The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress Forum also hinted that consultations were already underway to galvanise support from other Ijaw leaders and regional stakeholders to ensure the INC returns to its founding principles of inclusivity, integrity, and non-partisanship.