The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has strongly warned against any attempt to truncate the administration of Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, stating that the Ijaw people will resist such moves with all their might.
In a press statement signed by its spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC emphasized that the Ijaw nation will not stand idly by while political intrigues unfold with the intent of impeaching Governor Fubara, whom they describe as an illustrious son of the Ijaw nation.
“While we are not interfering with the judiciary and the ongoing political events, we are issuing a stern warning that the Ijaw people will not tolerate any move to impeach Governor Fubara. He must be allowed to complete his tenure,” the statement read.
The IYC argued that the situation in Rivers State has taken an ethnic dimension, warning that the Ijaw people will not allow any group to “hijack and truncate our Ijaw tenure.” The group reaffirmed its alignment with the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in ensuring that Governor Fubara completes his term.
The council recalled the historical contributions of the Ijaw people to the creation of Rivers State in 1967, stating that the state’s economic viability is heavily dependent on Ijaw communities. It noted that the Ijaw people have consistently supported governors from other ethnic groups for the past 24 years, from Peter Odili to Celestine Omehia, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nyesom Wike.
The group questioned why previous governors from other ethnic groups ruled without similar political battles, adding that Governor Fubara is facing undue political challenges despite his efforts to develop the state.
“This is our turn, and we will not allow anyone or a group of persons to abridge our tenure,” the statement added.
The IYC also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take note of the unfolding events in Rivers State, stressing that the Ijaw people have maintained peace despite political distractions.
“Governor Fubara has not even completed two years in office and is already facing unnecessary political battles. A word to the wise is sufficient,” the group warned.
The IYC reiterated its commitment to defending Governor Fubara’s mandate and cautioned against any attempt to undermine his administration, stating that the Ijaw people will not accept any political maneuver aimed at removing him from office.
