By Deborah Coker
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw nation worldwide, on Friday condemned deepening political crisis in Rivers and impeachment threat against the Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement by the INC Global President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, the organisation described the impeachment move as “a great threat to democracy”.
Okaba said, “the INC issues this urgent statement in response to the resumption of impeachment proceedings by the Rivers House of Assembly against the democratically elected Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
“The INC categorically and unequivocally condemns this impeachment move as a grave threat to democracy, peace, and stability in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.
“This is the third of such attempts since 2023, revealing a relentless cycle of political vendetta that must be broken.
“We stand firmly with the people of Rivers and all defenders of constitutional order in rejecting this dangerous gambit.
“The INC frames this crisis as a fundamental threat to democracy. This is not a matter of the Ijaw nation but for democracy”.
He noted that the allegations presented by the Assembly, including matters of budgetary spending and gubernatorial appointments, were governance issues that could and must be resolved within the framework of law and due process, not through the “weaponisation” of impeachment.
He also noted that the impeachment threat, no doubt, followed the collapse of a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at resolving the feud between Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He added that the Assembly’s notice cited Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
“However, the speed and context of this process raise questions about its adherence to the spirit of fairness and its use as a political tool rather than a genuine check on executive power.
“The INC’s stance is also echoed by persons across the political spectrum, including within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state who have also called for the impeachment to be dropped.
“The Ijaw National Congress respectfully and urgently calls on President Bola Tinubu, to act decisively as the father of the nation,” he said.
Okaba also said that to uphold constitutional democracy, the INC implores the president to use his moral authority and office to defend the constitutional order in Rivers.
According to him, the repeated impeachment threats against a sitting governor, following the president’s personal intervention, undermines the stability the presidency seeks to foster.
He also said that to ensure absolute neutrality and fairness, the INC reiterated the call made by Niger Delta leaders for the Tinubu’s administration to handle the crisis without bias or favoritism.
“The peace and economic stability of the Niger Delta, a region critical to the national economy, hinges on the federal government being perceived as an honest broker.
“Mr President should also rein in all individuals, including those within his government, whose actions and pronouncements fuel this crisis and threaten to throw Rivers into anarchy. The crisis has been marked by provocative statements and actions that must be curtailed.
“We view any attempt to leverage federal institutions to withhold statutory allocations to the state as unconstitutional and profoundly provocative. Such an action would be an economic sanction against the people of Rivers with dire consequences for national unity,” he added
The INC global president further urged and advised all Ijaw people and residents of Rivers to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and resolute.
“Do not be provoked into any action that can lead to violence or the destruction of property, but stand for the democratic principles by channeling your energies into peaceful civic engagement.
“Support lawful advocacy and defend democratic institutions. The legitimate development projects initiated by the state government must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
“We encourage all stakeholders to return to the path of genuine dialogue. The previous suspensions and state of emergency have not yielded lasting peace. Only an inclusive, good-faith dialogue can secure a sustainable future for the state.
“This is a time to demand governance, not perpetual political warfare.
“We urge the Rivers House of Assembly to focus on its core legislative and oversight duties, allowing the executive to serve the people who elected them,” Okaba said.
He appealed passionately to both the executive and the legistative arms of government in the state to work together amicably and peacefully in the overall interest of the masses who are, indeed entitled to peace and development, and not self-destruction or anarchy
“The INC remains committed to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take all legitimate and constitutional steps necessary to ensure that the rights of all residents of Rivers are protected, and that democracy prevails over impunity,” he added.
(NAN)