The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) Eastern Zone has flagged the Rivers State House of Assembly’s alleged plan to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Specifically, the group asserts that former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now FCT Minister, is driving the impeachment plot.
After a Wednesday stakeholders’ meeting, IYC Chairman Ibiso Harry accused Wike of mobilizing allies like Speaker Martin Amaewhule and Tony Okocha to undermine Fubara’s administration.
According to Harry, the crisis stems from Governor Fubara’s refusal to relinquish control of the state’s resources to Wike.
“The bone of contention in the Rivers crisis is the desperation of Wike to perpetually control the resources of the state—both from federal allocations and internally generated revenue—which the governor has resisted.
Governor Fubara has made it clear that Rivers’ money is for Rivers’ people,” Harry stated.
The IYC chairman also criticized a recent Supreme Court decision to freeze Rivers State’s allocation, claiming the ruling—allegedly influenced by Okocha—would harm the state’s economy and negatively impact civil servants’ welfare.
Warning Against Impeachment
Harry issued a strong warning against any attempt to remove Governor Fubara from office, insisting that the governor must be allowed to complete his two terms, as his predecessors did. He urged political stakeholders in the state to prioritize dialogue over what he described as underhanded tactics.
“We shall resist any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara until he has served out his two tenures of eight years.
“If impeachment planners persist in their schemes, they must face consequences,” Harry declared, condemning their actions.
The IYC reaffirmed support for Governor Fubara, urging ethnic groups to unite against destabilizing his administration. Additionally, Harry praised President Bola Tinubu’s crisis intervention but demanded further steps to secure Rivers State’s stability.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Chairman Emeritus of IYC, Ibim Ibiwari, expressed concerns similar to Harry’s, revealing evidence of a plot to impeach Governor Fubara. During the discussion, he cited statements made by Tony Okocha and lawmaker Lolo Opuene, who represents Kula, as signs of the alleged scheme.
Ibiwari declared, “We risked our lives to secure Wike’s re-election before, and we are prepared to make similar sacrifices now.” This commitment highlights their determination to ensure Governor Fubara completes his tenure despite the unfolding situation.
Moreover, the group accused Wike of leveraging his political influence to undermine Fubara’s leadership. They alleged that Wike’s actions stem from personal interests rather than prioritizing the welfare of Rivers State.
Call for Unity and Stability
The IYC called on all political actors in Rivers State to prioritize peace and stability over personal ambitions. They urged stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and avoid actions that could disrupt governance or harm the state’s economy.
As tensions escalate, the Ijaw Youth Congress defiantly protects Governor Fubara’s mandate, vowing fierce resistance against removal efforts. Observers warn that destabilizing actions could trigger widespread backlash.
Meanwhile, mounting tensions expose deepening fractures in Rivers State’s political landscape. While uncertainty looms, analysts and citizens alike scrutinize developments, anticipating pivotal shifts in the weeks ahead.
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