Tensions have escalated in Rivers State as major Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), issued a stern warning against any attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The groups vowed to defend Fubara’s mandate, cautioning that his removal could destabilise the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production in the region. Their warning coincides with the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, for Fubara to resubmit the 2025 budget for approval.
The crisis deepened following a Supreme Court judgment on February 28, 2025, which upheld the legitimacy of the Assembly. The ruling also nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and ordered the suspension of state allocations.
At its first sitting after the verdict on March 3, 2025, the Assembly directed Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours, ahead of its scheduled 12-week recess beginning March 7. The ultimatum expires today, March 5.
Ijaw Leaders Condemn Impeachment Threats
Anticipating the Assembly’s next move, the INC and IYC warned that removing Fubara would trigger unrest. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, condemned the impeachment threats, stating that the Ijaw people would not stand by while their first riverine governor in decades is undermined.
He also criticised the Supreme Court ruling, arguing that it failed to recognise the historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in Rivers State governance.
“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 warned.
He further recalled the Ijaw people’s political contributions, citing figures such as Chief Marshal Harry, Soboma George, and Farrah Dagogo, who played significant roles in past Rivers State elections. Okaba lamented that despite these efforts, an elite group from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality was attempting to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades.
He declared that the Ijaw nation would defend Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins.”
Call for Presidential Intervention
Okaba urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the crisis in Rivers State should not be treated as mere political rivalry. He also highlighted broader concerns of Ijaw political marginalisation across other states, including Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
The IYC, led by its Worldwide President, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, also called for restraint, warning those seeking to leverage the Supreme Court ruling to destabilise Rivers State.
“The nullification of the Rivers State local government elections is provocative and laughable, as other states used the same 2023 INEC voters’ register for their local government polls,” Alaye stated.
He alleged that the ruling validated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s alleged boast of a “tsunami” in Rivers State, suggesting a political plot against Fubara.
“We urge the Supreme Court to review the judgment because it has agitated Ijaw youths who have maintained peace in the Niger Delta and supported President Tinubu’s administration,” Alaye added.
Similarly, the IYC Eastern Zone, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Datolu Sukubo, and Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango, warned the Assembly against plunging Rivers State into crisis.
It vowed to resist any attempt to subvert Fubara’s administration, hinting at potential economic consequences if their demands were ignored.
“The Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, expresses deep concern over the tense political situation in Rivers State, following the Supreme Court judgment nullifying the election of local government chairmen,” the statement read.
As the political standoff intensifies, all eyes remain on the Rivers Assembly’s next move and the potential fallout from the Ijaw groups’ threats.
