Ijaw Groups Warn Against Governor Fubara’s Impeachment, Threaten Oil Shutdown

The Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress have warned that the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara could lead to disruptions in the Niger Delta oil production. They claim that recent ultimatums from the House of Assembly signal an organized effort to destabilize the region. Calls for intervention from national leaders and preparation for upcoming Local Council Elections in Rivers State are also noted.

In light of escalating political tensions in Rivers State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have issued strong warnings regarding the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They explicitly threatened to disrupt oil production in the Niger Delta if such actions are taken, underscoring the severe repercussions of political instability in the region.

The IYC highlighted a specific ultimatum from the Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly, which demands Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours. This ultimatum, issued on a Monday after a recent Supreme Court ruling, is set to expire on March 5, 2025. The groups view this demand as part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the state and possibly pave the way for impeachment proceedings.

A statement from IYC officials, Prince Datolu Sukubo and Tamunokuro Dango, calls for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to avert the escalation of the situation. They reiterated that instability in Rivers State could adversely affect governance and compromise Nigeria’s oil production, vital to the national economy.

The IYC asserted: “If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights because of one who wants to monopolize the state’s economy, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria.” Meanwhile, the INC firmly opposes any plans to impeach Fubara, indicating that such actions would generate widespread instability affecting the entire Niger Delta region and vowing to protect the governor’s position.

INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling, claiming it disregarded the historical contributions of the Ijaw people in governance within Rivers State. Additionally, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has convened a general stakeholders’ meeting for March 5, 2025, to discuss preparations for the upcoming Local Council Elections, involving various community leaders and stakeholders.

The Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress have expressed deep concern over the political situation in Rivers State, warning against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and threatening to halt oil production in the Niger Delta. They articulated the potential consequences of instability, urging national leadership to intervene. Additionally, preparations for the 2025 Local Council Elections are underway, with an emphasis on community involvement and governance continuity.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com