Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress warns INC to abandon violent rhetoric

The Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO) has cautioned the Ijaw National Congress (INC) against inciting violence in response to the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Rivers State political crisis. The group urged all stakeholders to respect the ruling, emphasizing that the apex court’s decision is final and legally binding.

In a statement issued after a press briefing in Port Harcourt, RIPCO, led by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, and Hon. Erastus Awortu, condemned inflammatory remarks suggesting unrest and sabotage of vital oil and gas infrastructure. The group described such threats as reckless and detrimental to the peace and stability of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.

RIPCO reiterated that the Supreme Court’s judgment was not based on ethnic considerations but strictly on constitutional principles. The group stressed that Rivers State is a multi-ethnic entity, urging all parties to avoid divisive narratives that could fuel further tensions.

The statement also addressed concerns about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissing them as premature. RIPCO maintained that any political disagreements should be resolved through constitutional means rather than resorting to threats and violence.

Furthermore, the group criticized calls for presidential intervention in the matter, arguing that the judiciary’s independence must be upheld. RIPCO warned that undermining the Supreme Court’s decision would set a dangerous precedent, threatening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

RIPCO also congratulated Speaker Martin Amaewhule and the 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their commitment to upholding the rule of law. The group expressed confidence that the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling would restore stability in the state.