The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has cautioned that any move to impeach Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have severe economic repercussions for Nigeria.
This warning comes after the blockade of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, preventing Governor Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget as mandated by the Supreme Court.
INC also criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of attempting to stir ethnic tensions between the Ikwerre and Ijaw communities through his statements and political actions.
Lawmakers Advancing Wike’s Agenda’ – INC
Speaking on Wednesday, INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba condemned the lawmakers' actions, stating that they are not prioritizing peace or the welfare of Rivers people but are instead serving Wike’s personal interests.
“These lawmakers are acting this way because Wike personally financed their election. He handpicked them, and he said so publicly. That is why I am not surprised by their behavior.”
Professor Okaba criticized the blockade of the Assembly Complex, emphasizing that Fubara’s decision to comply with the Supreme Court ruling should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Some people say Sim Fubara is weak, but he is only respecting the rule of law. He assured the President that he would implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, so why should the lawmakers block him from entering the Assembly?”
The INC President also pointed out the lawmakers’ contradictory actions: “These same lawmakers gave the Governor 48-hour and 72-hour ultimatums to present the budget. They also demanded that he sack 19 Commissioners. If he sacks the Commissioners, including the Commissioner for Finance, who then prepares the budget?”
‘We Will Resist Any Reckless Impeachment’
Professor Okaba warned that any forceful or malicious impeachment of Fubara would be met with strong resistance.
“If they go ahead and impeach Sim Fubara recklessly, we will resist it. The consequences will be too heavy for the entire country to bear. This is not a threat—it is a reality.”
