Amid rising political tension in Rivers State, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The two influential Ijaw socio-cultural groups raised concerns on Thursday, warning that the impeachment move poses a serious threat to democratic principles, peace, and political stability in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the INC, its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the impeachment process as a dangerous political distraction rather than a genuine governance issue.
“This is not an Ijaw matter; it is a democratic matter,” Okaba said.
“We have witnessed this crisis before. It was previously resolved through constitutional means, yet it is resurfacing again. We must ask why this is happening now.”
He cautioned that repeated political confrontations risk undermining governance in the oil-producing state and called on all stakeholders to prioritise peace and democratic stability.
Focus on Governance, Not Political Warfare – IYC
Also reacting, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to shift its attention from impeachment to governance and service delivery.
“The governor has committed no offence warranting impeachment,” Theophilus stated.
“He has initiated development projects across the state. This is a time for governance, not political war.”
The IYC further urged that Governor Fubara be allowed to complete his tenure without undue interference, warning that sustained political attacks would negatively affect the welfare of Rivers people.
The youth body also accused some lawmakers of political disloyalty and advised that any allegations against the governor should be handled through appropriate constitutional and party channels rather than impeachment.
APC Factions Also Oppose Impeachment
In a related development, factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have also expressed opposition to the impeachment process.
In a statement, Darlington Nwauju, spokesperson for an APC faction in the state, acknowledged the constitutional independence of the legislature but described the impeachment move as unjustifiable.
He explained that existing budgetary provisions legally permit a governor to operate within approved financial frameworks during the fiscal period, warning lawmakers against actions capable of destabilising governance in the state.
Background to the Impeachment Move
The impeachment notice against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, was read on Thursday by the Majority Leader of the House and reportedly backed by 26 lawmakers.
The allegations include claims of unauthorised expenditure, failure to screen appointments, withholding Assembly staff salaries, and the demolition of the Assembly complex.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the governor and his deputy to respond to the allegations. The Assembly has also suspended consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Appropriation Bill pending further action.
This marks the third impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, following similar efforts in 2023 and 2025, amid ongoing political realignments and defections within the state.
