ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has condemned the renewed impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the process as illegitimate and demanding the immediate removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The group made its position known on Thursday in Port Harcourt, hours after the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Speaking during a briefing, IYC President Alaye Theophilus said the action of the Assembly runs contrary to the will of Rivers people and threatens democratic stability in the oil-producing state.
According to him, the unfolding crisis is being driven by the alleged political interference of the former governor and current FCT minister, whom the group accused of fomenting unrest.
“The latest developments in Rivers State have revealed the true enemies of the state,” Theophilus said.
“We therefore call for the immediate sack of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.”
He further accused Wike of undermining democratic principles and good governance, insisting that his continued presence in the Federal Executive Council is central to the political tension in Rivers.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Reopens Impeachment Move Against Fubara, Deputy
“It has been clearly shown that he is not a true democrat but an enemy of democracy and good governance,” the IYC leader added.
Beyond rejecting the impeachment move, the Ijaw youth body openly declared support for the re-election of Governor Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Theophilus said the Ijaw ethnic nationality stands firmly behind Tinubu, praising what he described as the President’s democratic disposition and commitment to national repositioning.
“The IYC and the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality are behind your re-election bid for 2027 and that of Siminalayi Fubara for his second term as Governor of Rivers State,” he said.
“We categorically declare total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu, both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
Lawmakers accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, with the Speaker confirming that a notice of allegations would be served on the governor within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
However, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has rejected the impeachment move, urging lawmakers to halt the process to avoid plunging the state into political instability.
The current impeachment attempt is the second in less than one year, following a similar move in March 2025, which arose after a political fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
That earlier crisis prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the six-month suspension of the governor, his deputy, and members of the Assembly.
A sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed to oversee the state until the suspension was lifted late last year.
As of Thursday, the Rivers State executive arm is yet to issue an official response to the latest impeachment proceedings.