Rivers Crisis Deepens As Ijaw Groups Demand Halt To Fubara’s Impeachment.

Amid rising political tension in Rivers State, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have jointly called for the immediate suspension of impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, according to Nivo News. The groups described the move as a serious threat to democratic values and the overall stability of the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Thursday, President of the INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba, expressed concern over the renewed impeachment effort, stressing that the issue transcends ethnic interests and speaks directly to the health of Nigeria’s democracy. He recalled that a similar crisis had previously been resolved through a temporary suspension arrangement, questioning the timing and motivation behind the current development.

Okaba warned that persistent political rivalry could undermine governance in the oil-producing state, urging political actors to prioritize peace, unity, and stability over personal or factional interests.

The Ijaw Youth Council, led by Dr. Alaye Theophilus, echoed similar sentiments, urging the Rivers State House of Assembly to shift attention away from impeachment and focus on governance and development. He maintained that Governor Fubara had committed no wrongdoing and had continued to initiate projects across the state, adding that sustained political confrontation would ultimately harm the people.

The IYC further argued that the governor should be allowed to complete his tenure without undue interference, while also accusing some lawmakers of political disloyalty. The group suggested that any alleged misconduct should be addressed through appropriate channels rather than impeachment proceedings.

Opposition to the impeachment move has also emerged within factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. A statement issued by Darlington Nwauju, spokesperson for the faction led by Emeka Beke, acknowledged the constitutional independence of the legislature but described the impeachment process as untenable and politically motivated.

Nwauju noted that the 2025 federal budget provides legal backing for governors to expend funds within the first six months of the fiscal year, cautioning APC lawmakers against actions capable of destabilising the state government.

The impeachment process, which commenced on Thursday, is based on several allegations against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. These include claims of unauthorised spending, withholding of Assembly staff salaries, failure to properly screen appointments, and the demolition of the Assembly complex.

The impeachment notice was read by the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, and received the backing of 26 lawmakers, who argued that both the governor and his deputy lacked the capacity to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, subsequently granted the governor and his deputy a seven-day window to respond to the allegations. The Assembly also resolved to suspend consideration of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2026 Appropriation Bill pending further investigations.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of deepening political realignments in Rivers State. In December 2025, 17 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, followed by Governor Fubara’s own defection, further heightening tensions between rival political blocs.

The ongoing move represents the third impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, following similar efforts in 2023 and 2025.