Tensions have escalated in Rivers State as various Niger Delta groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), issued strong warnings against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The groups have declared their readiness to defend Fubara’s mandate, cautioning that any move to remove him could destabilize the region and disrupt oil production.
Ultimatum Expired, Political Battle Intensifies
The crisis follows the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly for Governor Fubara to resubmit the 2025 budget for approval.
The ultimatum, which ended today, March 5, 2025, came after a Supreme Court ruling on February 28 reaffirmed the Assembly’s legitimacy.
The apex court also ordered the seizure of Rivers State’s allocations and nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by the state electoral body.
With the ultimatum expiring today, all eyes are on the Assembly’s next move as the lawmakers prepare to commence their 12-week recess on March 7, 2025.
The Assembly has also challenged the governor’s directive for local government administrators to take over the affairs of the 23 council headquarters, further intensifying the standoff.
Niger Delta Groups Warn of Dire Consequences
In response to the unfolding situation, the INC and IYC have issued stern warnings, stating that the removal of Fubara could trigger widespread unrest. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, condemned the impeachment threats and vowed that the Ijaw people would not stand by while their first riverine governor in decades is undermined.
“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other party, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba stated.
He further criticized the Supreme Court ruling, arguing that it ignored the historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in Rivers State governance.
Okaba warned that destabilizing Fubara’s administration could have severe consequences for national peace and economic stability, particularly in the crude oil and gas-rich region.
Historical Context of Ijaw Political Involvement
Okaba recounted the Ijaw people’s contributions to Rivers State politics, highlighting their role in past leadership transitions:
- In 1999, Ijaw leader Chief Marshal Harry played a key role in securing the PDP ticket for Dr. Peter Odili and ensuring his victory.
- In 2003, Marshal Harry backed Sergeant Awuse’s governorship ambition but was assassinated, marking a tragic loss for the Ijaw community.
- In 2007, Ijaw leaders were instrumental in securing victory for Celestine Omehia, despite political tensions.
- In 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, allegedly ensured that Nyesom Wike took the slot instead.
Okaba lamented that despite these contributions, the Ikwerre political elite has allegedly sought to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades, warning that the Ijaw nation would defend Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins.”
Calls for Federal Government Intervention
The IYC has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that treating the Rivers crisis as mere politics would be a grave mistake. IYC President Worldwide, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, criticized the Supreme Court ruling and accused the apex court of playing into the hands of political actors seeking to control Rivers State.
“The Supreme Court’s nullification of the Rivers State local government elections is provocative and laughable, as other states conducted their elections using the same 2023 INEC voter register,” Alaye stated.
He also referenced statements by Minister Nyesom Wike about an impending political shake-up in Rivers State, suggesting that the court ruling was part of a larger scheme to undermine the state government.
“Rivers, as a major contributor to the national economy, should not be starved of its resources due to political maneuvering. The Ijaw people have maintained peace in the Niger Delta and supported President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but any attempt to remove Fubara will be met with resistance,” he warned.
Potential Economic and Security Ramifications
The IYC’s Eastern Zone has also cautioned that the impeachment of Fubara could lead to severe economic consequences, including disruptions to crude oil production. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Datolu Sukubo, and Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango, the IYC Eastern Zone accused certain political actors of attempting to destabilize Rivers State for personal gain.
“The purported 48-hour ultimatum given to the governor is a calculated effort to create chaos and potentially impeach him. This is an attack on the will of the people,” the statement read.
The IYC further warned that any attempt to cut off Rivers State’s financial allocations would be met with economic retaliation, as Niger Delta youths could be forced to disrupt oil production.
“If Rivers State is deprived of its economic rights, we will also ensure that Nigeria feels the economic impact,” the statement added.
Security Agencies on High Alert
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over potential security threats as the crisis unfolds.
When contacted regarding the threats issued by Ijaw groups, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko declined to comment, referring inquiries to Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju.
However, multiple attempts to reach Adepoju were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
With the expiration of the budget ultimatum and the Assembly’s anticipated response, Rivers State remains on edge.
The coming days will determine whether political actors can find a resolution or if the situation will spiral into further unrest, potentially impacting national economic stability and security.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order in the Niger Delta region.
