Ijaw groups have vowed to defend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid impeachment threats by pro-Wike lawmakers. The Ijaw National Congress warns of potential unrest if Fubara is removed. Meanwhile, the Rivers Assembly denies the governor access to present the 2025 budget, escalating political tensions in the oil-rich state.
Tensions are rising in Rivers State as the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other groups rally behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning against attempts to remove him from office. The crisis, which stems from an ongoing power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has sparked concerns about potential instability in the oil-rich region.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the INC, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and restrain Wike from further escalating the situation. Speaking on Arise Television, Okaba emphasized that the federal government must act swiftly to prevent chaos in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta.
"This is beyond political rivalry; it is a direct challenge to the will of the people. The Ijaw nation stands firmly with Governor Fubara, and we will take all necessary legitimate steps to protect our own," Okaba stated.
The conflict took a dramatic turn when Governor Fubara was denied entry to the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, where he was scheduled to present the 2025 budget. The Assembly, dominated by lawmakers loyal to Wike, has been at odds with the governor for months, leading to heightened tensions.
Elder statesman Anabs Sara-Igbe condemned the lawmakers’ actions, calling it an "insult" to the people of Rivers State. "The governor represents millions of Rivers people. Blocking him from the Assembly is not just a slight against him but an embarrassment to the state," he said.
Adding to the controversy, Wike dismissed the Ijaw groups’ stance, downplaying their influence in the Niger Delta region. However, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has warned that any forceful removal of Fubara could lead to disruptions in oil production, which would have severe economic consequences for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, legal experts have weighed in, with some advising Governor Fubara to seek reconciliation, while others warn the Assembly against overstepping its authority. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Salman Jawondo, cautioned lawmakers loyal to Wike against using their legal advantage recklessly, warning that their Supreme Court victory could turn into a political liability.
With Rivers State at a crossroads, all eyes are on President Tinubu and other political leaders to ensure that the crisis does not escalate into a full-blown conflict that could threaten the stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
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