Ijaw Youth Council Opposes Impeachment of Fubara, Calls for Removal of Wike as FCT Minister

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has rejected the impeachment proceedings initiated against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as unacceptable and contrary to the will of the people of the state.

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government has not issued an official response.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, condemned the action of the lawmakers and accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating political instability in the state.

According to Theophilus, the impeachment move represents a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic governance in Rivers State. He called on President Bola Tinubu to remove Wike from office, alleging that the former Rivers governor has continued to interfere in the state’s political affairs.

“The events unfolding in Rivers State clearly show those working against the interest of the people,” Theophilus said. “We are calling for the immediate sack of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whose actions have continued to fuel tension and unrest.”

He added that Wike’s conduct was inconsistent with democratic principles and accused him of acting against good governance.

The IYC also reaffirmed its political support for Governor Fubara and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. The group said it would back Fubara’s bid for a second term and Tinubu’s re-election, citing what it described as the President’s democratic approach to leadership.

“The Ijaw nation stands firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” Theophilus stated. “We support their re-election bids in recognition of their leadership and commitment to democratic values.”

Earlier on Thursday, during plenary, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, announced that a notice of allegations alleging gross misconduct would be served on the governor within seven days.

However, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from the impeachment process, urging lawmakers to suspend the action.

The latest development marks the second impeachment attempt against Fubara and his deputy in less than a year. A similar effort in March 2025 followed a political fallout between the governor and Wike.

At the time, President Tinubu intervened by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly for six months. A sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed to oversee the state during the period before the suspended officials were reinstated late last year.

Despite the renewed impeachment push, the executive arm of the Rivers State Government has yet to comment on the matter.