The Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress have warned against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, threatening to halt oil production in the Niger Delta. They view a recent 48-hour ultimatum from the House of Assembly as a plot to destabilize the governor. Calls for intervention from national leaders have been made to prevent escalated tensions, emphasizing the region’s importance to Nigeria’s economy.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have raised alarms regarding the political unrest in Rivers State, cautioning against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They have indicated that any such action could lead to significant disruptions, including halting oil production in the Niger Delta, a region vital to Nigeria’s economy.
The IYC highlighted a 48-hour ultimatum from the House of Assembly, led by Martins Amawhule, demanding the governor to present the 2025 budget. They perceive this ultimatum, which commenced after a recent Supreme Court ruling, as part of a coordinated bid to destabilize Fubara’s leadership. This ultimatum will conclude on March 5, 2025.
In a statement from IYC leaders Prince Datolu Sukubo and Tamunokuro Dango, there has been a call for intervention from President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to avert escalating tensions. They articulated concern that instability would adversely impact governance and threaten energy security in Nigeria due to the state’s strategic importance in oil production.
The IYC further asserted, “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.” Meanwhile, the INC voiced strong disapproval of any impeachment attempts, suggesting that such actions would incite turmoil throughout the Niger Delta and reaffirming their commitment to protect the governor’s position.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling, claiming it did not adequately reflect the historic and political contributions of the Ijaw people in Rivers State. Additionally, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting on March 5, 2025, in Port Harcourt to discuss preparations for the 2025 Local Council Elections, aiming to involve various community and political leaders in the electoral process.
The Ijaw groups, IYC and INC, have expressed serious concerns regarding potential political instability in Rivers State, particularly in the context of perceived threats to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s position. They have articulated that any attempts at impeachment could disrupt the crucial oil economy and have called for government intervention to maintain stability. With local elections on the horizon, the situation remains critical for the region’s governance and economic future.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
