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Tensions Soar in Rivers State as Ijaw Groups Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment

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Tensions Soar in Rivers State as Ijaw Groups Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment

Tensions Soar in Rivers State as Ijaw Groups Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment

The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point as major Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), issued a stern warning against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The groups declared their readiness to defend the governor’s mandate, warning that any attempt to remove him could destabilize the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production in the region.

Political Tensions Escalate

This warning comes after the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, demanding that Governor Fubara resubmit the 2025 budget for approval. The political face-off intensified after the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers Assembly while ordering the seizure of state allocations and nullifying the October 2024 local government elections.

At its first sitting following the ruling, the Assembly instructed Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours, emphasizing that failure to comply could result in severe consequences. With the deadline set to expire on March 5, 2025, tensions have escalated, prompting strong reactions from Ijaw groups and other stakeholders.

Ijaw Leaders Vow to Defend Fubara

Reacting to the developments, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba strongly condemned the impeachment threats, describing them as a direct attack on the Ijaw people, who he said have historically played a crucial role in Rivers State politics. He warned that any attempt to remove Fubara could have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other force, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba declared.

Historical Context and Ijaw Contributions to Rivers Politics

Okaba recalled the sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in shaping Rivers State’s political landscape. He cited instances from 1999 when Ijaw leaders backed Dr. Peter Odili’s governorship bid, the assassination of Chief Marshal Harry in 2003 for supporting Sergeant Awuse, and the role of Ijaw warlords in securing electoral victories for Celestine Omehia and subsequent administrations.

Despite these sacrifices, Okaba lamented what he described as the systematic marginalization of the Ijaw people, warning that the ongoing political maneuvering to unseat Fubara would be fiercely resisted.

“The Ijaw nation will defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins,” he vowed.

Ijaw Youths Council Issues Ultimatum

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), led by its President Worldwide, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, also condemned the Supreme Court ruling, alleging political interference aimed at destabilizing Rivers State. Alaye warned that any attempt to impeach Fubara would be met with strong resistance from Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta.

“The nullification of the Rivers State local government elections while similar elections in other states were upheld is provocative and unacceptable. We have also noted how certain individuals, including the FCT Minister, have continuously boasted about a political tsunami in Rivers State,” Alaye said.

The IYC, Eastern Zone, also echoed similar concerns, warning the Rivers Assembly against plunging the state into violence. In a statement signed by Chairman Datolu Sukubo and Secretary Tamunokuro Dango, the IYC emphasized that the ultimatum given to Fubara was part of a broader scheme to create chaos and push for his impeachment.

“This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who freely elected Fubara. We will resist any such attempts,” the statement read.

National and Economic Implications

The Ijaw groups further warned that any attempt to undermine Fubara’s government could have devastating consequences for the national economy, given that Rivers State plays a key role in Nigeria’s crude oil production.

“If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria,” the IYC declared, hinting at possible disruptions to oil production should the impeachment efforts continue.

The groups called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging the federal government to ensure that Rivers State’s political crisis is not dismissed as ordinary politicking. They stressed that the stakes were too high, warning that prolonged instability could jeopardize national security and economic stability.

Police and Security Responses

When contacted for a response to the threats issued by Ijaw groups, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko declined to comment and referred journalists to Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju. However, efforts to reach the commissioner were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages at the time of filing this report.

As the political impasse continues, all eyes remain on the Rivers State Assembly’s next move and the potential fallout from the deepening crisis. Observers fear that if not carefully managed, the standoff could spiral into broader unrest, with grave implications for Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.

 

Politics

Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

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Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu

 

Pilot Muhammad Tukur Buratai (MTTB), son of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has intensified political activities in Borno State after purchasing the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress to contest for a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly.

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

The young aviator is seeking to represent Biu Constituency, a move many political observers describe as a bold transition from professional service into active grassroots politics.

 

 

Supporters of the aspirant insist his emergence represents a blend of youthfulness, exposure and leadership capacity needed in the state legislature at a time when demands for greater youth representation in governance continue to gain momentum across the country.

 

Unlike conventional political entrants, allies of captain Buratai argue that his aviation background has equipped him with discipline, technical knowledge, calm decision-making and strategic coordination skills considered valuable in public leadership.

 

 

Political watchers within Biu also believe his candidacy could energise younger voters and strengthen grassroots participation within the APC ahead of the party primaries.

 

His growing acceptance, according to supporters, is also linked to his accessibility, community engagement and understanding of the developmental concerns facing youths and rural communities within the constituency.

 

The aspirant recently met with his father to seek his blessing ahead of the political contest, a development seen by many as a symbolic endorsement of his ambition and readiness for public service.

 

 

Stakeholders within the constituency say his entry into the race has already altered political calculations in the area, with consultations and mobilisation intensifying across several wards.

 

Supporters further maintain that beyond family name recognition, the young aspirant possesses the educational exposure, leadership orientation and communication skills required to effectively represent the interests of the people at the legislative level.

 

 

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections, many within Biu believe his emergence could usher in a new generation of leadership focused on youth empowerment, education, economic opportunities and community development.

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

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Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project

 

 

Prominent political figures within the Team Seyi Makinde political structure in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, have congratulated Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi following his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The duo, who also emerged as consensus senatorial candidates for Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts, respectively, pledged total support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, while assuring residents of Oyo State of inclusive governance and continuity of developmental policies associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

 

“I throw my full support behind Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate chosen by our political leaders through a unified process,” Ajadi said.

 

He added, “His emergence reflects unity, consultation, and the collective resolve of our political family, and we are fully committed to delivering victory in 2027.”

 

According to him, the endorsement of Adekanmbi was based on competence, loyalty, administrative experience, and the need to sustain ongoing developmental strides in the state.

 

Also reacting to the development, Hon. Stanley Odidiomo expressed appreciation to stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the candidates selected through consensus.

 

He assured party loyalists and supporters that the candidates would work collectively to deepen democratic dividends across the state.

 

“This is not about individual ambition alone; it is about protecting the future of Oyo State and consolidating on the achievements already recorded. We are united, and we are prepared to serve the people with sincerity and fairness,” Odidiomo said.

 

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that discussions centered on political unity, grassroots mobilization, and sustaining the developmental momentum associated with Governor Makinde’s administration.

 

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, was also said to have witnessed the strategic meeting alongside other influential stakeholders within the political structure.

 

Lawal reportedly congratulated Adekanmbi and the senatorial candidates while expressing optimism that the political family would remain united ahead of the next general elections.

 

Political observers in the state believe the consensus arrangement may reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, especially with increasing alignments and consultations among major political actors across the state.

 

Adekanmbi’s emergence is already generating conversations within political circles, with supporters describing it as an attempt to maintain continuity, stability, and the governance philosophy championed by Governor Makinde over the years.

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Politics

CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

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Why Seyi Tinubu is not your usual silver spoon

CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu

 

 

The CityBoy Movement has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media post alleging that its patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, made blasphemous remarks concerning God and the 2027 presidential election.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Deputy Director-General for Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, the movement described the publication as “deliberately inflammatory” and aimed at creating religious tension in the country.

 

The group said the statement, allegedly authored by one “Albaabu Abudulahi,” falsely attributed comments to Tinubu which he never made “at any time, in any place, through any channel, or under any circumstance whatsoever.”

 

According to the statement, the allegation was “entirely false, malicious in intent, reckless in circulation and dangerous in consequence.”

 

The movement maintained that Seyi Tinubu is a man of faith who believes that all authority comes from God alone and would never insult or diminish the supremacy of God or Allah.

“He has never insulted, mocked, questioned or diminished the supremacy of Almighty God or Allah, and will never do so,” the statement read.

The group further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to damage Tinubu’s image and provoke unnecessary religious controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While reaffirming Tinubu’s support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, the CityBoy Movement stressed that all political ambitions and public service efforts remain subject to “the will and guidance of Almighty God.”

The organisation urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating claims, describing them as a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow division along religious lines.

It also called on media organisations, digital publishers and social media users to verify information before sharing materials capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The statement reiterated the movement’s commitment to democratic engagement, responsible public conduct and respect for all faiths.

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