The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Eastern Zone, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Following a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, the IYC Eastern Zone Chairman, Ibiso Harry, accused former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being behind the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Harry alleged that Wike, through his allies, Amaewhule and Tony Okocha, was actively working to remove Governor Fubara.
He claimed that the crisis was a result of Fubara’s resistance to handing over control of the state’s financial resources to Wike, a move that has led to increased political instability in Rivers State.
He also condemned a recent Supreme Court ruling that froze Rivers State’s allocation, arguing that the decision—allegedly influenced by Okocha—would have a severe impact on the state’s economy and the well-being of civil servants.
“We have patiently watched the political crisis perpetrated by Barr. Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State, and Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, since Governor Sim Fubara assumed office two years ago. The bone of contention in this crisis is Wike’s desperation to maintain control over the state’s financial resources, both from federal allocations and internally generated revenue. The governor has resisted, making it clear that Rivers money is for Rivers people,” Harry stated.
The IYC Chairman strongly cautioned against any attempt to remove the governor, insisting that Fubara must be allowed to serve two full terms, just like his predecessors. He urged political actors to embrace dialogue instead of engaging in what he described as “underhanded tactics.”
“We shall resist any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara until he has served out his two tenures of eight years, just like those before him. If the planners of this impeachment do not desist from their evil plots, they should be ready to bear the consequences,” he warned.
Harry also issued a stern warning that the IYC would not remain passive in the face of any move to destabilize the Fubara-led administration.
He reaffirmed that the organization was prepared to stand its ground to ensure that due process and democratic principles are upheld in Rivers State.
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Additionally, he commended President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to mediate the political crisis and called on the federal government to take further steps to ensure lasting stability in the state.
Backing the allegations, the Chairman Emeritus of IYC, Ibim Ibiwari, stated that their investigations had revealed a plot to remove Governor Fubara from office.
He pointed to statements made by Tony Okocha and Kula lawmaker Lolo Opuene as clear indications of the impeachment plan.
Ibiwari recalled that the IYC had once risked their lives to support Wike’s re-election, emphasizing that they were ready to make similar sacrifices to ensure that Fubara remains in office and completes his tenure.
With political tensions rising in Rivers State, the IYC has called on all ethnic groups in the region to resist any attempts to undermine the governor’s administration.
The group vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely and to take necessary action should any unconstitutional moves be made against the governor.