The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Alaye Tari Theophilus, has alleged that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are attempting to frustrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara because of his refusal to grant them access to the state treasury.
Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Theophilus claimed that the ongoing political crisis and impeachment moves against the governor are driven by financial interests rather than governance concerns.
According to him, the lawmakers have rejected several peace initiatives because they believe Governor Fubara is “too stingy” and unwilling to release public funds for their personal benefit.
“The central issue in the recent Rivers crisis is Governor Fubara’s refusal to grant Assembly members unrestricted access to state funds,” Theophilus said.
He disclosed that the IYC, alongside elders and stakeholders from affected constituencies, had made several efforts to engage the lawmakers, but all attempts were rebuffed.
The IYC president further alleged that a troubling pattern has emerged in Nigeria’s democracy, where legislators increasingly see themselves as contractors and businessmen rather than representatives of the people.
“There has been a moving pattern in Nigerian democracy where Assembly members approach governors outside constituency projects to demand access to the state treasury so they can live flamboyant lifestyles,” he said.
Theophilus praised Governor Fubara, describing him as a prudent, people-oriented and project-driven leader who has refused to compromise public funds.
“But today, we have a very prudent governor who is telling them that if it is the Rivers treasury you want, he cannot give it. But if it is good governance, then they can work together,” he added.
He insisted that the funds being contested belong to the people of Rivers State and should be used for infrastructure, human capital development and effective governance, not personal enrichment.
The comments come amid reports that two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have withdrawn from the impeachment process against Governor Fubara, further highlighting divisions within the legislature.
