“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or anybody else, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba warned.
He further recalled past Ijaw contributions to governance in Rivers, highlighting key moments when Ijaw leaders played decisive roles in political transitions. He lamented that despite these efforts, a political elite from the Ikwerre ethnic group appeared determined to frustrate Fubara’s administration.
“The Ijaw nation will defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins,” Okaba declared.
The Ijaw Youth Council also issued a warning, urging restraint from those attempting to use the Supreme Court ruling as a tool for political instability. Dr. Theophilus Alaye, IYC President Worldwide, criticized the court’s decision, particularly the nullification of the local government elections.
“We found the Supreme Court nullification of the Rivers State local government elections very provocative and laughable, as other states equally relied on the 2023 INEC voters register to conduct local government elections,” Alaye stated.
He accused Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike of manipulating the judiciary to create chaos in the state.
“The verdict has confirmed our suspicion that the frequent boast of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that a tsunami will soon rock Rivers State shows that the apex court is working hand in glove with him to destroy the state,” Alaye claimed.
He further warned that depriving Rivers State of its statutory allocations could lead to economic instability, affecting not only the region but also national revenue from crude oil production.
“If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights because of one who wants to monopolize Rivers State’s economy, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria,” the IYC warned.
With threats of disruptions to oil production looming, security agencies have remained cautious in their responses. The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, declined to comment on potential unrest, referring inquiries to the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who was unavailable for comment.
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy’s spokesperson, Cmdr A. Adams-Aliu, dismissed concerns about potential attacks on oil facilities, stating, “All of the above is speculation. The Nigerian Navy will always continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.”
The Nigerian Army, represented by Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, labeled the crisis as a political matter, indicating a reluctance to intervene unless the situation escalates into a direct security threat.
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