Photo combo of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike (L) and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara (R)
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as a direct assault on democracy and the collective will of the people of the state.
The youth group also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of masterminding political instability and unrest in Rivers State.
IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, made these remarks during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, shortly after the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Theophilus described the impeachment move as unacceptable and contrary to the wishes of Rivers people, insisting that it exposes those working against the state’s peace and democratic growth.
“The latest developments in Rivers State have revealed the true enemies of the state and as such we call for the immediate sack of the FCT Minister, the person of Barrister Nyesom Wike,” the group said.
“It has been shown that he is not a true democrat but an enemy of democracy and good governance.”
The IYC leader urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively, stressing that Wike’s continued presence in government poses a threat to stability in the oil-rich state.
Beyond condemning the impeachment attempt, the council reaffirmed its support for Governor Fubara’s second-term ambition and President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, praising the President’s leadership style and democratic posture.
“The IYC and the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality are behind your re-election bid for 2027 and that of Siminalayi Fubara for his second term as Governor of Rivers State,” Theophilus said.
“We categorically declare total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 for the show of love and democratic disposition he has demonstrated as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, who are both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During plenary, lawmakers accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule stating that a notice of allegations would be served on the governor within seven days.
However, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has rejected the impeachment move, calling on lawmakers to immediately halt the process.
The latest development marks the second impeachment attempt against Fubara and Odu in less than a year, following a similar move in March 2025 after a political fallout between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
At the time, President Tinubu intervened by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State Assembly for six months.
The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the period, before the suspended officials were reinstated late last year.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government is yet to issue an official response to the renewed impeachment attempt.
