March 05, (THEWILL) –
The Ijaw National Congress has issued a stern warning against any attempt to impeach Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, vowing to defend him “with every pint of blood in their veins.”
The warning follows a 48-hour ultimatum given to the governor by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday, demanding that Fubara re-present the 2025 budget, which he had earlier presented on December 30, 2024, to the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly.
In a statement on Tuesday, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, urged Governor Fubara to work with all duly constituted arms of government in the state.
However, he warned that any attempt to truncate Fubara’s tenure could have far-reaching consequences.
“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other individual, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba said, in what appeared to be a veiled threat of potential disruptions in the region’s petroleum industry.
The congress also condemned the Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers political crisis, cautioning that any move to undermine Fubara could destabilise national peace and the country’s economic stability.
Okaba lamented that while the INC has played a critical role in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta—leading to increased oil production and revenue for the nation—the same resources are now being used to marginalize Ijaw communities across Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.
Issuing a direct warning to President Bola Tinubu, the group insisted that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State should not be dismissed as mere politicking.
“The Ijaw people, numbering over 40 million worldwide, will not tolerate any attempt to undermine their place in Nigerian politics,” Okaba stated.
He also highlighted the Ijaw people’s historical role in shaping leadership in Rivers State, recalling their sacrifices in past elections.
He added, “In 1999, an Ijaw leader, Chief Marshall Harry, played a key role in securing the PDP ticket for Dr. Peter Odili, despite strong opposition from Sergeant Awuse. Harry further ensured Odili’s victory against a Kalabari opponent, Chief Ebenezer Isokariari of the APP.”
Okaba recalled that in 2003, when Marshall Harry backed Sergeant Awuse for governor, it was Harry himself who was assassinated—a painful loss for the Ijaw people.
By 2007, he noted, Ijaw leaders such as Soboma George and Farrah Dagogo were instrumental in securing victory for Sir Celestine Omehia, while Prince Igodo, a Kalabari-Ijaw warlord, was killed during Omehia’s swearing-in to prevent security breaches.
“In 2011, when Rotimi Amaechi sought to nominate Pastor Tonye Cole as a minister, Dame Patience Jonathan ensured that Nyesom Wike took the slot instead. Despite these sacrifices, an Ikwerre political elite now seeks to frustrate the first riverine governor in decades,”Okaba added.
The INC’s warning signals growing tension in Rivers State, as political forces continue to battle for control of the state’s leadership.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
