Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), have warned against the impeachment of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, cautioning that such a move could destabilize the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production.
The warning follows the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly for Fubara to resubmit the 2025 budget. The Assembly’s demand came after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its legitimacy in a ruling on February 28, 2025, intensifying the political rift between Fubara and lawmakers aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The court also ordered the seizure of state allocations and annulled the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
At its first sitting post-ruling on March 3, 2025, the Assembly reiterated its demand for the budget submission before commencing a 12-week recess on March 7, with the ultimatum set to expire today, March 5. The lawmakers also opposed Fubara’s directive for Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of council affairs.
In response, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba condemned the impeachment threats, stating, “If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production.”
Okaba criticized the Supreme Court ruling, arguing that it overlooked the Ijaw people’s historical contributions to Rivers governance. He emphasized their sacrifices over the years, noting, “The Ijaw nation would defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins.”
IYC President Dr. Theophilus Alaye also cautioned against using the Supreme Court judgment to destabilize the state, stating, “We found the Supreme Court nullification of the Rivers State local government elections very provocative and laughable, as other states equally relied on the 2023 INEC voters register to conduct local government elections.”
He further warned, “The verdict has confirmed our suspicion that the frequent boast of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that a tsunami will soon rock Rivers State shows that the apex court is working hand in glove with him to destroy the state.”
The IYC’s Eastern Zone echoed these concerns, warning of potential economic consequences if Fubara’s mandate is undermined. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, its leaders vowed to resist any attempt to subvert the governor’s authority, stating, “The Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, expresses deep concern over the current tense political situation in Rivers State, following the recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying the election of local government council chairmen.”
The unfolding crisis has heightened fears of instability in the Niger Delta, with Ijaw leaders urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
