The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a strong warning that any attempt to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara would have serious economic consequences for Nigeria. This statement comes in response to the blockade of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which has prevented the Governor from presenting the 2025 state budget as ordered by the Supreme Court. The INC also criticized the actions of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, condemning his political maneuvers and statements that they argue could fuel ethnic divisions in the state.
The INC’s concerns reflect growing tensions within Rivers State, as a political crisis between the state government and some lawmakers loyal to Wike continues to unfold. These lawmakers have been accused of acting against the interest of the state and instead serving Wike’s personal political goals. The situation has become more complicated due to claims of tribal divisions being stirred up between the Ikwerre and Ijaw ethnic groups.
On Wednesday, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, responded to the ongoing political crisis, condemning the actions of the lawmakers involved. According to Professor Okaba, the blockade of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which prevented Governor Fubara from carrying out his constitutional duties, was not only a sign of disrespect for the rule of law but also a reckless move with far-reaching implications.
“The lawmakers are not interested in peace or the welfare of Rivers people. They are only serving Wike’s personal agenda,” said Professor Okaba. He argued that these lawmakers were acting on behalf of Wike because he personally funded their election campaigns and handpicked them for office. “Wike said it himself that he financed their elections, and they owe their positions to him,” he said. This, according to Okaba, explained their refusal to allow the Governor to present the state’s budget, which is crucial for the continued development of Rivers State.
Professor Okaba also addressed the perception that Governor Fubara is weak. He clarified that Fubara’s decision to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, which ordered him to present the budget, should not be seen as a sign of weakness. “Sim Fubara is not weak; he is just respecting the rule of law. He assured the President that he would comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment, so why should the lawmakers block him from entering the Assembly?” Okaba said.
The INC President further criticized the contradictory actions of the lawmakers, pointing out their demands for the Governor to sack 19 Commissioners, including the Commissioner for Finance, in exchange for allowing him to present the budget. “If the Governor were to sack the Commissioners, who would then prepare the budget?” Okaba asked, highlighting the absurdity of their demands and their apparent lack of regard for the practical implications of their actions.
The Ijaw National Congress also issued a stern warning against any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara. Professor Okaba made it clear that the INC would not stand by and allow a “reckless” impeachment to take place, warning that such an action would lead to serious consequences that could affect the entire country.
“If they go ahead and impeach Sim Fubara recklessly, we will resist it. The consequences will be too heavy for the entire country to bear. This is not a threat—it is a reality,” Okaba said, underscoring the INC’s determination to protect the governor and uphold the democratic process in Rivers State.
One of the most controversial aspects of the ongoing crisis has been the role played by former Governor Nyesom Wike. Wike, who now serves as the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been accused of using his political influence to manipulate the state legislature and create divisions within the state. The INC has strongly condemned Wike’s recent statements, particularly those regarding the Ijaw ethnic group.
Okaba dismissed Wike’s comments as inflammatory and pointed out that they were unlikely to succeed in dividing the Ikwerre and Ijaw nations. “Ikwerre and Ijaw will never go to war because of Wike. The Ikwerre people have already apologized to the Ijaw nation for Wike’s behavior toward Fubara,” he said. Okaba further stated that Wike’s words would not succeed in causing conflict between the two ethnic groups, as the Ikwerre people had already taken steps to mend relations with the Ijaw.
The INC President also addressed the issue of Wike’s leadership, saying that while he might have been able to stir up trouble in the past, his efforts were now failing. “If the President of Ogbakor Ikwerre, my contemporary, had spoken, I would have responded differently. But since it is Wike, I will not dignify him with a reply. Ikwerre is not at war with Ijaw—Wike is simply at war with himself,” Okaba said.
This response from the INC signals a firm stance against any attempt to use ethnic divisions as a tool for political manipulation. The organization has made it clear that they will not allow Wike’s political maneuvers to drag Rivers State into a tribal conflict.
As the political situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, the calls for peaceful dialogue and resolution are growing louder. Governor Fubara, despite the challenges he faces from the legislature and political figures like Wike, has remained focused on governance and the rule of law. His efforts to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling are seen by many as an important step in ensuring that the democratic processes in the state are respected.
However, the actions of the pro-Wike lawmakers, including their blockade of the state Assembly and attempts to disrupt the budget process, have raised concerns about the stability of governance in the state. These actions, critics argue, are not only harmful to Rivers State but could also have a negative impact on Nigeria’s overall economic stability, especially if the state’s budget cannot be passed or implemented.
The INC has made it clear that any further attempts to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration, particularly through an impeachment, will be met with strong opposition. The Ijaw National Congress has warned that such reckless actions could destabilize not only Rivers State but the entire nation, and they have vowed to resist any attempts to weaken the democratic system in the state.
As the situation continues to develop, many are hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be reached. The people of Rivers State, and indeed the entire nation, will be watching closely to see how this political crisis is resolved and whether the state can move forward in unity and progress.
