The Interim Steering Committee of the Ijaw National Congress said that their attention has been called to recent trend of unauthorised persons making statements on behalf of the Ijaw Nation. In particular was a recent Press Conference by one Chief Anabs Asara-Igbe, during which he claimed to have expressed views on behalf of the Ijaw ethic nationality on the situation in Rivers State.
The INC Steering Committee therefore wishes to dissociate itself from the partisan position expressed by Chief Asara-Igbe or by any other persons or groups regarding the situation in Rivers State.
In a statement issued at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on 18th March, 2018, and signed by Prof Joseph Ajienka and Mike Zuokomor, the Steering Committee said:
“For the avoidance of doubt, we want to restate, that it is only the Chairman of the INC and the President General of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) that can speak or authorise official positions on behalf of the Ijaw Nation after necessary consultations along our established internal lines of communication.”
The INC insists that the situation in Rivers State must follow open and transparent democratic processes under the expected neutral supervision of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The present desperation being displayed by some politicians to secure undue advantage in Rivers State, at all cost must be condemned and sanctioned by all. Indeed, the level of militarization, unleashing of political thugs and violence is totally unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate halt.”
As critical stakeholders, the INC again calls on the Government of Rivers State and the Heads of Federal Government law enforcement and security agencies in Rivers State to continue to work in close collaboration to restore peace and sanity to the state.