Members of the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) have condemned the recent remarks and attacks made by House of Representatives member Ikenga Ugochinyere against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the judiciary, and the police. In a statement signed by RRM Director-General Johnson Georgewill and Secretary Sarima Akpata, the group called on Ugochinyere to cease his disrespectful behavior and recognize the integrity of these key institutions.
The group, in expressing its displeasure with Ugochinyere’s actions, pointed out that his behavior was reckless and unbecoming of a public official. They questioned why a man who does not live in or have voting rights in Rivers State would target its leaders and government institutions with insults, despite representing the people of Imo State. The group expressed concern over Ugochinyere’s alleged paid attacks, suggesting that he was being used as a pawn to undermine the state’s leadership and resources.
In their statement, the group members called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take swift action against those whose actions and words could harm the nation’s democracy. They urged Rivers people to be vigilant and protect the state from external influences that, according to them, were exploiting Rivers’ resources while the local population remained in poverty.
The group also appealed to former Governor Nyesom Wike to continue ignoring Ugochinyere, whom they accused of having no contribution to the success of Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s election in 2023. The RRM demanded that Ugochinyere resign from his position if he lacked meaningful contributions to the National Assembly, criticizing him as a nuisance who only sought to stir up trouble.
The RRM promised to mobilize Rivers residents to the National Assembly to formally lodge a complaint if Speaker Tajudeen Abbas failed to address Ugochinyere’s actions. The group reaffirmed their support for the FCT Minister and expressed confidence that justice would prevail for those who betrayed Rivers State.
