Fubara: Rivers Ijaw Apologise To Wike, Express Eternal Gratitude For His Support

Amadi-Ama, Abuloma, Okrika LGA, Rivers State – The Ijaw ethnic nationality, represented by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), has issued a public apology to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for alleged misdeeds by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

The Rivers Ijaw community, through the Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye, expressed deep regret for Fubara’s actions and pleaded with Wike to disregard the “misbehaviour of an individual” and continue his support for the Ijaws.

“I want to apologise to you for what our son is doing to you,” Iyaye said at a civic reception held to honour Wike.

“We apologise. It is not in our nature to repay good with evil. Do not abandon us because of this bad behaviour.

“Please continue to be our brother. It is not because we failed the exam that we will not try again. We are not ungrateful individuals. That is why we are celebrating you.”

The reception, which took place in Amadi-Ama, was attended by prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, and cultural groups from Rivers State’s Ijaw-dominated local governments.

The event was held to show appreciation for Wike’s significant contributions to the Ijaw community, particularly his role in appointing Ijaw individuals to prominent positions in the Federal government.

Wike responded by acknowledging the Ijaw community’s support and highlighting the irony of the situation.

He noted that 10 of the 12 Ijaw lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly support Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who has accused the governor of constitutional violations and poor performance.

“It is an interesting occasion,” Wike said. “Why did they honour me? Many people go on television and claim to represent Ijaw. Ten of the twelve Ijaw lawmakers claim that the governor violated the Constitution.

These are the people representing Ijaw in the Assembly, and they claim that he is not doing well. If anyone tells you that the Ijaw are fighting me. It is not true. “It is only a few ungrateful Ijaw people.”

He also stated that the current crisis in Rivers is an attempt by some individuals to enrich themselves by portraying the state government as a lucrative market.

Wike also alluded to the recent Edo State election, implying that his critics are focussing their efforts on attacking Rivers State PDP structures rather than addressing their own shortcomings.

“They went to the television to say I made them fail,” Wike explained. “Go carry your problem. It is a lesson for others. Do not touch the rivers.

“It is a unique state. Continue to be united in the interests of Rivers. Do not lose hope. We must continue to work together.”

Wike’s speech was laced with harsh criticism of Fubara’s administration, emphasising the governor’s lack of organisation and failure to win any legal battles brought against state House of Assembly members.

He also confirmed that suspected thugs from Fubara’s camp attempted to attack the reception venue.

“We chose to follow the law. “We will continue to support President Tinubu’s administration,” Wike declared. “I can come home any time because I am tall enough to challenge anyone.”

Several prominent figures attended the event, including Petroleum Minister of State, Heineken Lokpobiri, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and former governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

These individuals expressed their support for Wike and recognised his leadership role, reinforcing the Ijaw community’s appreciation for his contributions.

The reception provided an opportunity for the Ijaw community to publicly express their support for Wike and reaffirm their commitment to him, despite the current political turmoil in Rivers State.

It also served as a reminder of the state’s complex political dynamics, with shifting alliances and loyalties.