Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senator John Mbata, the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to resign from his position.
The group asserts that Ikwerres are not part of the Igbo ethnic group and therefore find Senator Mbata, an Ikwerre, unfit to lead an organisation dedicated to representing Igbo interests domestically and internationally.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Hon. Johnson George, and Secretary, Mrs Sarima Akpata, the RRM described Mbata’s election as “unfortunate” and alleged it is a strategic move by the Igbo people to annex Rivers State through the Ikwerre ethnic group.
The group further criticised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for congratulating Mbata, warning that they would organise peaceful protests in Rivers State, Abuja, and at United Nations facilities if their demands are ignored.
RRM’s statement delves into historical tensions, asserting that Rivers people have opposed Igbo claims to their territory since the state’s creation in 1967 under General Yakubu Gowon.
The group accused the Rivers State government of facilitating what it views as a political agenda that undermines the independence and identity of the Ikwerres within Rivers State.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Police, and other national bodies to intervene.
They also likened the situation to the distinction between the Welsh and Scots from the English in the United Kingdom, reiterating their stance that Ikwerres are not Igbos.
RRM vowed to continue their opposition within the framework of the law and called on Rivers residents to stand against what they view as an injustice to their people.