The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the leading socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw nation globally, has strongly condemned the escalating political crisis in Rivers State and the looming impeachment threat against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued on Friday, INC Global President Prof. Benjamin Okaba described the impeachment move as a “serious threat to democratic governance.”
Okaba said the statement was prompted by the resumption of impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House of Assembly targeting the democratically elected Governor and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
“The INC firmly and unequivocally rejects this impeachment as a grave threat to democracy, peace, and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta,” he said.
He noted that this marks the third such attempt since 2023, reflecting a persistent cycle of political vendetta that undermines governance.
“The INC stands with the people of Rivers and all defenders of constitutional order in rejecting this dangerous political maneuver,” Okaba added.
He emphasised that the allegations cited by the Assembly, including budgetary and appointment matters, are governance issues that should be resolved within the law and due process, not through the politicisation of impeachment.
The INC leader also pointed out that the threat followed the collapse of a peace initiative brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, which aimed to resolve tensions between Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Okaba observed that while the Assembly’s notice referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, the speed and context of the process raised questions about fairness and suggested a political rather than constitutional motive.
He said the INC’s stance is shared by political actors across party lines, including members of both the APC and PDP in Rivers, many of whom have called for the impeachment threat to be withdrawn.
“The Ijaw National Congress urgently appeals to President Bola Tinubu, as the nation’s leader, to act decisively to protect constitutional democracy,” Okaba urged.
He further called on the president to use his moral authority to uphold constitutional order and ensure neutrality, warning that repeated threats against a sitting governor jeopardise stability in the region.
“The peace and economic stability of the Niger Delta, a region vital to Nigeria’s economy, depends on the federal government acting as an impartial mediator,” he added.
Okaba cautioned against actions that could provoke violence or economic sanctions, including any attempts to withhold statutory allocations from Rivers State, stressing that such measures would be unconstitutional and harmful to national unity.
The INC president urged Ijaw people and residents of Rivers to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to democratic principles.
“Do not allow provocations to spark violence or destruction. Engage in peaceful advocacy and support democratic institutions. Development projects should not be sacrificed for political disputes,” he said.
He encouraged all stakeholders to return to good-faith dialogue, noting that previous suspensions and emergency measures have failed to deliver lasting peace.
“This is a moment to demand governance and stability, not continuous political conflict,” Okaba emphasised.
He appealed to both the executive and legislative arms in Rivers State to work together constructively for the welfare of the people, who deserve peace, development, and democratic governance.
“The INC remains dedicated to promoting unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria. We will continue monitoring the situation closely and take all legitimate steps to safeguard the rights of Rivers residents and ensure that democracy triumphs over impunity,” he concluded.