Ijaw Youths Block East-West Road in Protest Against Impeachment Threat to Governor Fubara

Ijaw youths under the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) staged a major protest on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by blocking the East-West Road to oppose the impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The demonstrators, who erected canopies and engaged in singing and dancing on the busy highway, declared their commitment to defending Fubara’s mandate, warning that any attempt to remove him from office would have dire consequences for both the Niger Delta and the country at large.

The impeachment efforts, spearheaded by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been met with sharp criticism and resistance from Ijaw groups. Both the Ijaw Youth Council and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) condemned the move, describing it as a destabilizing act that undermines the political harmony of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta.

INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba criticized the Assembly for disregarding the historical and political sacrifices of the Ijaw people in shaping Rivers State. He warned that any attempt to remove Fubara would provoke a fierce response from the Ijaw nation, saying, “The Ijaw people will defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins.”

IYC President Theophilus Alaye also condemned the recent Supreme Court ruling reinstating the Amaewhule-led Assembly and removing elected local government chairmen, calling it “provocative and laughable.” He urged a review of the judgment and stated that the decision had angered Ijaw youths who have consistently upheld peace in the region.

Alaye warned that the continuation of the impeachment process could lead to a shutdown of all flow stations in the Niger Delta, threatening a major blow to Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability. He stressed that Rivers State, as a key contributor to national revenue, should not be subjected to political instability or marginalization.

Adding to the growing concerns, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Timi Frank alleged attempts to manipulate the Supreme Court’s judgment by introducing unresolved issues of defection currently before the Court of Appeal. He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the justices of the Supreme Court to safeguard the credibility of their decisions.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has asked Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu to respond to allegations of gross misconduct. In a statement released on Monday, Speaker Amaewhule referenced Section 188(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that the House must, within 14 days of receiving a notice of allegations, determine—without debate—whether the accusations merit further investigation. The notice, dated March 14, 2025, accused Prof. Odu of multiple instances of gross misconduct in the performance of her official duties.