Ijaw Group Pledges Support for Fubara, Urges Tinubu to Intervene

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a strong warning about the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, stating that it could lead to instability in the Niger Delta. The group emphasized that any attempt to undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara would have serious consequences for both national peace and economic stability.

In a statement on Monday, INC President Benjamin Okaba expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s recent judgment, which nullified last year’s local government elections in Rivers State. The ruling also reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These lawmakers have been at odds with Governor Fubara since his fallout with Wike, creating further tensions in the state.

The situation escalated when Governor Fubara presented the 2025 budget to a three-member assembly that supports him. However, the Supreme Court ruled that he must submit the budget to the reinstated lawmakers. Following this decision, the pro-Wike legislators issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Fubara to comply.

Seeing this as an attempt to weaken Fubara’s authority, the INC reaffirmed its support for the governor. As a native of Opobo Nkoro, an Ijaw community, Fubara has the full backing of the Ijaw people, who vowed to protect his mandate. The INC stressed that they would not stand by and allow external forces to disrupt his leadership.

The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to take the crisis seriously, warning that it is more than just political rivalry. They stated that the situation could escalate further if not properly handled. The INC urged Fubara to cooperate with all branches of government but made it clear that if his tenure is cut short, the peace in the Niger Delta—and Nigeria’s oil production—could be at risk.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on the federal government to see how it will address the growing political turmoil in Rivers State.