Recent developments in Rivers State have sparked significant political tension, with Ijaw groups expressing strong opposition to potential moves against Governor Siminilayi Fubara.
The Ijaw National Council (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have strongly condemned a recent Supreme Court judgment that reinstated Martins Amaewhule-led members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and nullified local government elections. The groups warned that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara could lead to severe consequences, including potential shutdown of oil operations in the Niger Delta.
Ijaw Groups’ Position
INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba emphasized the historical political contributions of Ijaw people in Rivers State. The group argues that undermining Fubara’s tenure would have significant implications for national peace and economic stability. They have pledged to defend the governor “with every pint of blood in their veins” and view the Supreme Court ruling as potentially destabilizing.
Other Stakeholder Views
- Timi Frank, a former APC spokesperson, called on the Supreme Court to maintain the integrity of its original judgment.
- Action Alliance (AA) accepted the Supreme Court ruling in good faith.
- Local government chairmen elected in 2015 expressed their intention to retake their positions following the court’s decision.
Potential Implications
The Ijaw Youth Council president, Theophilus Alaye, warned that forceful attempts to remove Fubara could provoke significant resistance. He argued that the grounds for nullifying local government elections were questionable, especially given that other states have used similar electoral registers.
Broader Context
The groups highlighted a pattern of what they perceive as political marginalization extending beyond Rivers State to other Niger Delta regions, including Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
Governor’s Recent Actions
Separately, Governor Fubara focused on infrastructure improvements, recently inaugurating a remodeled Rivers State Fire Service headquarters and emphasizing his commitment to improving emergency response capabilities.
The situation remains fluid, with multiple political stakeholders closely monitoring developments in Rivers State.
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