Ijaw National Congress Condemns Supreme Court Ruling, Accuses Wike of Political Manipulation and Corruption
The Niger Delta group has strongly opposed the Supreme Court’s ruling nullifying the recent local government elections in Rivers State, warning that any attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara would destabilize the peace and economic stability of the region.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) condemned what it described as a politically motivated judgment orchestrated by former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, using his influence within the judiciary to subvert democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, expressed grave concerns that the Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, was not only an attack on democracy but also a deliberate effort to undermine the Ijaw people and their political relevance in Rivers State.
Wike’s Manipulation of the Judiciary
Prof. Okaba accused Wike of using his vast political connections and resources to manipulate the judicial system in his favor, ensuring that rulings always align with his interests. He argued that Wike’s corrupt practices have compromised the integrity of the Supreme Court, turning it into a tool for his personal vendetta against Fubara.
“The judiciary, which should be the last hope of the common man, has now become a playground for political godfathers like Wike, who believe they can buy justice at will. This latest ruling exposes the deep-rooted corruption within the system, as the Supreme Court failed to acknowledge the political injustices meted out against the Ijaw people,” Okaba stated.
He further argued that the court’s ruling ignored historical injustices and the sacrifices made by Ijaw leaders in shaping Rivers State politics. According to him, despite their contributions, a particular political elite from the Ikwerre ethnic group, led by Wike, is determined to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades.
A Supreme Court Judgment Rooted in Corruption
The INC President also criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to bar the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government. He claimed that this move was another calculated attempt by Wike and his allies to cripple Fubara’s administration financially, thereby forcing him into submission.
“This ruling is not about upholding justice; it is about controlling Rivers State by proxy. Wike cannot stand the fact that the people rejected his authoritarian grip on the state. The Supreme Court, instead of upholding the principles of democracy, has aided Wike’s corruption-driven agenda,” Okaba declared.
He highlighted previous instances of Wike’s interference in the state’s governance, including his role in imposing his preferred candidates during elections and his history of political intimidation against opponents.
Wike’s History of Corruption and Political Violence
Prof. Okaba reminded Nigerians that Wike’s political career has been marked by ruthless suppression of dissent and abuse of power.
“This is the same man who, in 2019, used security agencies to intimidate opposition members and now seeks to impose his will on Rivers State indefinitely. Wike has a history of using state resources for personal enrichment while suppressing legitimate governance efforts,” he said.
He further recalled how, during Wike’s tenure as governor, public funds meant for developmental projects were allegedly diverted into personal accounts and used to buy political influence.
Ijaw Nation Will Not Be Marginalized
The INC has vowed that the Ijaw people will resist any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool for political suppression.
“The Ijaw nation will defend Governor Fubara with every pint of blood in our veins. We will not stand by while a single man turns our collective destiny into his personal empire,” Okaba declared.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further manipulation of the judiciary by Wike and his allies.
“This is beyond politics. The Supreme Court ruling threatens national stability because Rivers State is crucial to Nigeria’s economy. If this crisis spirals out of control, it will have dire consequences on oil production and national revenue,” he warned.
The INC insisted that the Supreme Court’s ruling must be reviewed to reflect the true tenets of justice and fairness. It called on international human rights organizations and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the Supreme Court’s decision and the alleged financial transactions that may have influenced it.
A Final Warning
Prof. Okaba concluded by warning that if the federal government continues to turn a blind eye to Wike’s antics, the consequences could be far-reaching.
“The Ijaw people, over 40 million strong worldwide, will not sit idly while one man attempts to hijack our political future. We demand fairness, justice, and an end to Wike’s corruption-driven manipulation of the judiciary,” he said.
The INC’s position underscores the growing discontent over the Supreme Court’s handling of political cases in Nigeria, with many now questioning the credibility of the apex court. The group reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Rivers State is governed by the will of the people, not the dictates of a corrupt political overlord.
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