INC and Fubara’s Camp Reject Rivers Assembly Impeachment Move

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The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and key political allies of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have strongly opposed the recent impeachment initiative by the Rivers State House of Assembly targeting the governor.

Tensions in the state escalated after the Assembly issued allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, giving them just seven days to respond.

In a statement on Thursday, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba condemned the impeachment effort, describing it as a serious threat to democracy, peace, and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.

“This is the third such attempt since 2023, reflecting a relentless cycle of political vendetta that must end,” Okaba said, adding that INC stands firmly with the people of Rivers State and all defenders of constitutional order in rejecting the action.

Okaba stressed that the dispute should be seen not as an ethnic issue but as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“This is not about the Ijaw nation; this is about protecting democracy,” he said.

Addressing the core allegations—related to budgetary expenditures and gubernatorial appointments—Okaba argued that these matters should be resolved through proper legal and procedural channels, not manipulated for political gain.

“The speed and circumstances of this process raise serious questions about its fairness. While the Assembly cites Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, its use appears more like a political weapon than a legitimate check on executive power,” he added.

Okaba noted that the impeachment attempt followed the collapse of a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, intended to resolve the longstanding feud between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

He urged President Tinubu to act decisively to uphold constitutional democracy in Rivers State, ensuring the federal government remains neutral in the ongoing political conflict:

“The peace and economic stability of the Niger Delta depend on the federal government being seen as an honest broker. The President must ensure neutrality and curb all agents of instability.”

Despite the heightened political tensions, Okaba called on Rivers residents, including the Ijaw community, to remain calm and peaceful, emphasizing lawful advocacy and democratic engagement.

“Legitimate development projects initiated by the state government must not be sacrificed for political gains. Only through inclusive dialogue can Rivers secure a sustainable future,” he said.

Fubara’s Political Camp Condemns Impeachment

On Friday, Governor Fubara’s political camp, represented by the Supreme Council for Sim (SCS), denounced the impeachment effort, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. Ambassador Oji Ngofa, SCS leader, stated that the move was politically motivated and lacked any legal foundation.

In a statement after an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, Ngofa said:

“The Supreme Council for Sim outrightly rejects and condemns the purported impeachment against Governor Fubara. We believe the action is unconstitutional, and the reasons cited have no legal basis.

“The governor transmitted the budget to the National Assembly, and the fiscal cycle is still valid. The Constitution allows for a six-month grace period into the new year. Impeachment on the basis of the budget is reckless politics that endangers the people of Rivers State.

“Rivers belongs to all its citizens. We have resolved to resist any attempt to manipulate the state for personal gain. This impeachment insults the sensibilities of our people and ignores their collective interests.

“The state desires peace. The impeachment move is illegal. APC lawmakers in the Assembly have no mandate to endorse this action without internal consultation to resolve the matter.

“We call on our party to take action against any APC legislators who supported this move. We will stand with the governor because Wike’s politics does not reflect the interest of the Rivers people. These lawmakers have added no legislative value to the state.”