The Ijaw National Congress issues a stark warning: any Fubara impeachment threat triggers widespread unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta region

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a stern warning against any attempt to impeach Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stating that it cannot guarantee peace in the Niger Delta region if such an action occurs.

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The INC, led by President Prof. Benjamin Okaba, condemned the recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike as the legitimate members of the State House of Assembly, arguing it risks plunging the region into crisis.

Prof. Okaba criticised the apex court’s decision, asserting that it failed to acknowledge the historical and political sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in Rivers State governance.

He emphasised that any attempt to undermine Governor Fubara’s office would have severe consequences for national peace and economic stability, particularly in the crude oil and gas-rich region.

“In 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshall Harry, was instrumental in securing the Peoples Democratic Party ticket for Dr. Peter Odili,” Prof. Okaba stated, highlighting the Ijaw people’s historical role in Rivers State politics.

He further recalled instances where Ijaw leaders played pivotal roles in the victories of subsequent governors, including Sir Celestine Omehia.

He expressed dismay that, despite these contributions, an Ikwerre political elite now seeks to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades.

“The Ijaw nation will defend Governor Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins,” Prof. Okaba declared, emphasising that the Ijaw people would not tolerate the truncation of their long-awaited tenure.

He cautioned that while the INC has worked tirelessly to maintain peace in the Niger Delta, facilitating increased oil production and revenue, these resources are now being used to marginalise the Ijaw people.

He pointed out that this exclusion extends beyond Rivers State to other states in the region.

Prof. Okaba called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stressing that the Rivers State political crisis must not be treated as ordinary politics.

He warned that the 40 million-strong Ijaw people worldwide would not tolerate any attempt to undermine their place in Nigerian politics.

While urging Governor Fubara to work with all duly constituted arms of government, Prof. Okaba issued a stark warning:

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“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production.”