The Ijaw Youth Council and the Ijaw National Congress have warned against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s impeachment, threatening to shut down oil production in the Niger Delta. They criticize the ultimatum from the House of Assembly, expressing fears of instability and urging intervention from federal authorities. Both groups vow to protect their political interests amidst upcoming Local Council Elections preparations.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have voiced serious concerns regarding the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State. Both groups have indicated that if such an action takes place, it could lead to shutting down oil operations in the Niger Delta, which would have profound implications for the region and the nation’s economy.
The IYC decried the 48-hour ultimatum from the House of Assembly, demanding that Fubara present the 2025 budget. They perceive this demand as part of a concerted effort to destabilize the state and lay the groundwork for the governor’s impeachment. The ultimatum, following a Supreme Court ruling, is set to conclude on March 5, 2025.
In a statement led by IYC officials, they called upon President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to intervene to avert escalating tensions. They highlighted that any unrest would adversely impact governance, oil production, and energy security, emphasizing Rivers State’s critical role in the national economy.
The IYC articulated their stance firmly, warning that denying Rivers State its economic rights would prompt them to retaliate against Nigeria’s economy. Similarly, the INC firmly opposes any impeachment plans, stating these actions could destabilize the Niger Delta region, and vowed to protect the political interests of the Ijaw people.
INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the Supreme Court’s previous ruling, asserting it disregarded the political significance of the Ijaw community in the governance of Rivers State. In a related note, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss preparations for the 2025 Local Council Elections, which will take place on March 5, 2025, in Port Harcourt.
In summary, the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has provoked a strong response from the Ijaw community, with dire warnings about the implications for the Niger Delta’s oil production and the broader national economy. The IYC and INC have united in opposing such actions, calling for urgent intervention to stabilize the political climate and ensuring respect for the Ijaw people’s contributions to governance.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
