Ijaw group opposes impeachment of Rivers Governor, warns of Niger Delta instability

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has strongly warned against any attempt to impeach Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that such an action could destabilize the Niger Delta and reverse recent gains in oil production.

In a statement signed by INC President Benjamin Okaba, the group cautioned that if Governor Fubara’s tenure is cut short by the Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other entity, the peace currently enjoyed in the region could be imperiled, and the upward trend in oil output might be jeopardized.

The INC’s remarks follow a recent Supreme Court ruling. Last Friday, a five-member panel upheld a federal high court decision that prevented the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state.

The court also ordered the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is aligned with former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, along with other elected legislators, to resume sitting. In a related decision, the apex court annulled the recent Local Government Area election in Rivers state.

Okaba decried the court’s decision for overlooking the significant historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in the region.

“We will defend Governor Fubara with every pint of blood in our veins,” he declared, emphasizing that while the Ijaw have worked tirelessly to foster peace and contribute to the nation’s oil revenue, they are now being sidelined amid the political crisis.

The INC also urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the unfolding political turmoil in Rivers with the seriousness it deserves, warning against dismissing it as mere political maneuvering.