The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a strong warning against any move to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that such an action could threaten the peace of the Niger Delta region.
The group expressed its concerns following last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, which recognized the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The INC believes this decision could escalate tensions in the oil-rich region.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, issued a statement on Monday, condemning the court’s ruling. He noted that it failed to acknowledge the political contributions and sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in shaping the governance of Rivers State.
Okaba warned that any attempt to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration could have severe consequences, not only for the state but also for the entire nation’s economy, given the region’s crucial role in oil and gas production.
He recalled the political history of Rivers State, stating that Ijaw leaders have played a significant role in past elections and leadership transitions. “In 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshall Harry, was instrumental in securing the Peoples Democratic Party ticket for Dr. Peter Odili, despite a formidable challenge from Sergeant Awuse. Harry further ensured Odili’s victory against a Kalabari opponent, Chief Ebenezer Isokariari of the All Peoples Party.”
The INC leader further cited past incidents, including political assassinations and violent conflicts, which he said demonstrated the sacrifices Ijaw leaders have made in the state’s political development. He noted that despite these efforts, the current political crisis appears to sideline the Ijaw people once again.
Prof. Okaba stated that the Ijaw community would not allow their long-awaited opportunity to govern the state to be taken away. He cautioned that while the INC has worked to maintain peace in the Niger Delta, the group cannot guarantee stability if Governor Fubara’s tenure is forcefully cut short.
He also pointed out that political exclusion of Ijaws is not limited to Rivers State but extends to other states such as Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stressing that the crisis should not be dismissed as just another political struggle.
“The Ijaw people, numbering over 40 million worldwide, would not tolerate any attempt to undermine their place in Nigerian politics,” he warned.
While urging Governor Fubara to remain law-abiding and work with all branches of government in the state, Okaba issued a final caution: “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.”
