The civic reception hosted by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples’ Congress (RIPCO) in honor of former Rivers State Governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ignited significant backlash from various Ijaw groups.
The chiefs and elders of Amadi-Ama Community have recently joined the chorus of disapproval, distancing themselves from the actions of RIPCO. In a joint statement with the Amanyanabo-in-Council, community leaders stated that Governor Siminialayi Fubara has not taken any actions that would warrant a public apology to Wike, rendering RIPCO’s event unnecessary and motivated by ulterior motives.
They clarified that any individuals attending the event in the name of Amadi-Ama Community did so voluntarily. Additionally, community leaders have challenged RIPCO’s legitimacy, asserting that the organization is neither recognized nor affiliated with the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) or the Ijaw National Congress (INC). Instead, RIPCO is perceived as a group of “political jobbers” seeking favors from Wike.
REACTIONS FROM IJAW ORGANIZATIONS
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, have both strongly rejected the reception and the public apology to Wike on behalf of Governor Fubara. The IYC described RIPCO as a “political pressure group” created to further Wike’s interests rather than serving as a genuine socio-cultural organization for the Ijaw people.
Similarly, the Ijaw Peoples United Forum (IPUF) has distanced itself from RIPCO’s event, labeling it a “self-serving maneuver” aimed at currying favor with Minister Wike instead of genuinely representing the Ijaw community.
These statements underscore the Ijaw community’s concerns regarding RIPCO’s actions and their perceived effects on Governor Fubara’s authority and the interests of the Ijaw people.