The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, describing the move as an affront to democracy and the will of the people.
Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, denounced the action of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which commenced impeachment processes against the governor and his deputy earlier in the day.
Theophilus described the development as provocative and politically motivated, insisting it runs contrary to the wishes and interests of the people of Rivers State. He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom the group accused of orchestrating unrest and political instability in the oil-rich state.
“The recent events in Rivers State have clearly exposed the true enemies of the state,” Theophilus said. “We therefore demand the immediate removal of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike. His actions have shown that he is not a true democrat but an adversary of democracy and good governance.”
The IYC also threw its weight behind Governor Fubara, pledging support for his re-election bid in 2027. In the same vein, the group endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, commending what it described as his democratic disposition and efforts to reposition the country.
“The Ijaw Youth Council and the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality stand firmly behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term,” Theophilus declared. “We commend President Tinubu for the show of love and commitment to democratic principles he has demonstrated.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu, accusing them of gross misconduct. Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, announced that a notice of allegations would be served on the governor within seven days.
However, the APC in Rivers State has distanced itself from the impeachment move, urging the lawmakers to immediately suspend the process.
This latest development marks the second impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara and his deputy in less than a year. A similar move in March 2025 followed a political fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
At the time, President Tinubu intervened by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly for six months.
The President subsequently appointed a sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, to oversee the affairs of the state during the period. The suspended officials later resumed office toward the end of last year.
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