A Minister From Ikwerre Wants To Remove Am Ijaw Governor After Ikwerre Sons Have Ruled Rivers For 16 Years - Marvin Yobana
The escalating tensions in Rivers State, driven by the plans of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have stirred significant concerns among political stakeholders, particularly the Ijaw community. Ambassador Marvin Yobana, a respected political voice and former African delegate to the World Assembly of Youths, has voiced strong opposition to Wike’s moves, cautioning against the dangerous path being laid for the state’s future stability. Wike’s attempt to unseat an Ijaw governor, after the Ikwerre had dominated leadership for 16 years, raises deep concerns of ethnic imbalance and political overreach.
Ijaw Leadership: A Turning Point After 16 Years of Ikwerre Rule
Ambassador Yobana underscored the critical nature of this conflict by pointing out the historical context of Ikwerre leadership in Rivers State. For 16 consecutive years, the Ikwerre, under the leadership of governors like Rotimi Amaechi and Wike himself, held the governorship. This era, characterized by the cooperation of other ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, represented a significant period of Ikwerre political dominance. However, with the election of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw man, many see this as a necessary shift toward political balance and inclusivity in Rivers State.
Yobana emphasized that the Ijaw people, the majority ethnic group in the state, would not look kindly upon any attempt by Wike, an Ikwerre, to destabilize the newly established leadership. He cautioned that such actions threaten not just the fragile ethnic harmony in Rivers, but could ignite a political storm with far-reaching consequences.
Political Distraction and Its Consequences for Rivers Development
Governor Fubara, despite inheriting a state with numerous developmental challenges, has been making efforts to address critical issues in infrastructure, education, and health. However, Wike’s political maneuvers are proving to be significant distractions, preventing the governor from fully focusing on his vision for Rivers State. Yobana pointed out that political stability is essential for the state’s progress, and Fubara has repeatedly expressed his commitment to peace, stating that there is no price too high for maintaining harmony in the state.
The ongoing crisis, with Wike at its center, is setting back the hands of development in Rivers, diverting attention from the important task of governance. This disruption, if allowed to continue, could have long-term negative effects on the state’s economic and social progress.
Ethnic Tensions: A Warning to Wike
The Concerned Rivers People, a political advocacy group, have issued a stark warning to Wike. They assert that his actions are not only reckless but also dangerously provocative. They argue that if the Ijaw, who make up over 65% of Rivers State, decide to retaliate against Wike’s perceived attack on their leadership, the consequences could be devastating, not just for Wike himself but for the entire state.
This warning aligns with Yobana’s position, which highlights the broader implications of Wike’s actions. Ethnic tensions in Rivers have historically been delicate, and any attempt to undermine the leadership of the majority Ijaw population could lead to unpredictable outcomes. The Ijaw community’s patience is being tested, and if pushed too far, they may resort to measures that could destabilize the entire political landscape of the state.
A Call for Presidential Intervention
Yobana has called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the unfolding crisis. He emphasized that the president must act swiftly to call Wike to order and prevent further escalation. Yobana argued that allowing this political feud to fester could undermine the stability of Rivers State and threaten national peace, given the strategic importance of the state as an oil-producing region.
Wike has stated that he is waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter, but Yobana insists that all parties should exercise patience and allow the judicial process to take its course. The concern is that Wike’s impatience and political ambition could lead to actions that will have irreversible consequences for the state’s fragile unity.
Conclusion: The Stakes for Rivers State
The political maneuvering by Wike to unseat Governor Fubara carries significant risks for Rivers State’s future. Beyond the immediate political implications, Wike’s actions are threatening to reignite ethnic tensions that could spiral out of control. The Ijaw, having finally secured the governorship after years of Ikwerre rule, see Wike’s actions as a direct challenge to their political empowerment.
The Concerned Rivers People and Ambassador Yobana have made it clear that Wike must halt his attacks on the Ijaw leadership to avoid a confrontation that could severely destabilize the state. President Tinubu’s intervention is critical to ensure that Rivers State does not descend into political chaos, and that Governor Fubara can focus on delivering the much-needed development the state deserves
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