The Ijaw National Congress has condemned the renewed impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, describing the development as a serious threat to democracy, peace, and stability in the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
In a press statement issued on Thursday in Yenagoa, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people said the resumption of impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House of Assembly against the democratically elected governor amounted to political vendetta rather than a genuine constitutional process.
The group said the impeachment threat represents the third such attempt against Governor Fubara since 2023, warning that the repeated efforts risk plunging Rivers State into prolonged political instability. It said the cycle must be broken in the interest of democratic governance and public order.
The INC stressed that the crisis should not be viewed as an ethnic issue but as a broader challenge to Nigeria’s democratic institutions. According to the group, the situation in Rivers State is a fundamental test of constitutional democracy, adding that the issues raised by lawmakers fall within the normal scope of governance and should be resolved through lawful and transparent processes.
The organisation noted that allegations cited by the Assembly, including matters relating to budgetary spending and appointments, are not sufficient grounds for impeachment when other constitutional mechanisms for oversight and accountability exist. It warned against what it described as the weaponisation of impeachment to achieve political ends.
The INC also linked the renewed impeachment push to the collapse of a peace agreement brokered in June 2025 by President Bola Tinubu. That intervention was aimed at resolving the political feud between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
While acknowledging that the Assembly referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for its actions, the INC questioned the speed and context of the process. It said these factors raise concerns about whether the impeachment proceedings meet the standards of fairness, due process, and constitutional spirit.
The group added that opposition to the impeachment threat is not limited to Ijaw organisations alone. It said political actors across party lines in Rivers State, including members of both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, have publicly called for the impeachment process to be halted.
In the statement, the INC called on President Tinubu, in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief, to intervene decisively. It urged him to use his moral authority to uphold constitutional democracy and prevent actions that could destabilise Rivers State after his earlier efforts to broker peace.
The organisation also called for absolute neutrality from the federal government, warning that any perception of bias could worsen tensions in a region that is critical to Nigeria’s economic stability. It said the Niger Delta’s peace depends on the federal government being seen as an honest and impartial arbiter.
The INC further urged the President to rein in individuals whose actions or statements are contributing to rising tensions. It warned that provocative rhetoric and conduct could push the state toward disorder if not urgently addressed.
The group expressed concern over reports of possible moves to withhold federal allocations to Rivers State, describing such actions as unconstitutional and highly provocative. It said any attempt to use federal institutions to apply economic pressure would amount to collective punishment of the people of the state.
Amid the growing tension, the INC appealed to Ijaw people and all residents of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding. It advised against violence or destruction of property, urging citizens to channel their grievances through peaceful civic engagement and lawful advocacy.
The organisation also called on stakeholders to return to genuine dialogue, noting that previous suspensions and emergency measures had failed to deliver lasting peace. It said inclusive and good-faith dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward for the state.
The INC urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to focus on its legislative and oversight responsibilities, while allowing the executive arm to carry out its mandate. It said governance, not perpetual political conflict, should be the priority.
The group reiterated that it aligns with earlier positions taken by its Eastern Zone and the Ijaw Youth Council in calling for de-escalation. It stated that no other Ijaw group is authorised to speak on behalf of the Ijaw nation on the Rivers crisis, dismissing contrary claims as misleading.
The INC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria. It said it would continue to monitor developments closely and take all legitimate and constitutional steps to protect the rights of the Ijaw people and other residents of Rivers State, while insisting that democracy must prevail.
