The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have expressed grave concerns about the current political tensions in Rivers State, warning of severe consequences, including shutting down oil production in the Niger Delta, if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached.
The groups pointed out that the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly, demanding that Fubara present the 2025 budget, signals a well-coordinated effort to destabilize the state and potentially impeach the governor. The ultimatum, issued on Monday after the Supreme Court judgment, is set to expire on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
In a statement issued by IYC Chairman, Prince Datolu Sukubo, and Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango, the group urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene urgently and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
They emphasized that any instability in the state would severely affect not just governance, but also the crucial oil production and energy security of the nation, given the state’s vital role in the national economy.
The IYC warned: “If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights because of one who wants to monopolize the state’s economy, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria.”
The INC, in a separate statement, expressed its strong opposition to any plans to impeach Fubara, warning that such a move would lead to widespread instability across the oil-rich Niger Delta. The group also reiterated that the Ijaw people would fiercely defend the governor and not allow their political gains to be undermined.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the Supreme Court ruling, stating that it overlooked the significant political and historical contributions of the Ijaw people to governance in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced a general stakeholders’ meeting in preparation for the 2025 Local Council Elections. The meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025, at the RSIEC Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The gathering will include political party leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, and media professionals, and will focus on unveiling the timetable and guidelines for the upcoming elections.
