IYC beats drums of war, vows to resist moves to impeach Fubara

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has joined forces with other Ijaw groups in their threats to make Rivers State ungovernable if Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached.

In a strongly worded statement, the youth body warned that the Ijaws will not stand idly by and watch political and ethnic gimmicks unfold in Rivers State with the sole intent of truncating the administration of Governor Fubara, an illustrious son of the Ijaw nation.

The statement, signed by its spokesman, Binebai Princewill, said that while the Ijaws are not interfering with the judiciary and the ongoing political events, they are, however, issuing a stern warning that the Ijaw people will not tolerate any move to impeach Fubara, adding that he must be allowed to complete his tenure.

While warning that “A word to the wise is sufficient,” it stated that President Bola Tinubu should be made aware that whatever happens in Rivers State is not the fault of the Ijaw people.

It further warned that, as Ijaw people, they are unfazed by any consequences if anyone attempts to impeach Governor Fubara.

The statement read, “We have been preaching peace since the beginning of this political battle. Fubara has yet to complete two years in office and has already been subjected to unnecessary political battles and distractions.

“For the Ijaw people, this goes beyond mere politics; it has taken an ethnic dimension. We will not allow any ethnic group in Rivers State to hijack and truncate our Ijaw tenure. This is a fight we are prepared to wage with every fiber of our being. The Ijaw Youth Council stands fully in line with the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on this matter.

“The Ijaw struggle for liberation in the Nigerian State led to the creation of Rivers State in 1967. It is no secret that the economic viability of the state is entirely dependent on Ijaw areas. Our people have sacrificed by uniting everyone in the state, supporting governors from other ethnic groups until this moment when an Ijaw son, Governor Fubara, now leads.

“It is important to acknowledge the 24 years of political dominance in Rivers State, from Peter Odili to Celestine Omehia to Rotimi Amaechi to Wike. It is unjustifiable to fight a man for developing his state. The Ijaws are both the political and economic lifeblood of Rivers State. Throughout these past years of political dominance by the Ikwerre people, the Ijaws have consistently supported each governor. The Ijaws will not compromise on Fubara’s governorship in Rivers.

“There is no way the Ijaw people can view this as anything but an ethnic battle when each governor from other ethnic groups in Rivers State has ruled peacefully for the past 24 years without this kind of conspiracy, fighting, and political manipulation. This is our turn, and we will not allow anyone or a group of persons to abridge our tenure.

“People cannot hide under the guise of the judiciary or politics to undermine democracy and punish perceived political enemies. Rivers State is a multi-ethnic state, and what was not done when other ethnic groups were in power cannot be allowed to happen when an Ijaw, a major ethnic group, is in charge. As Ijaw people, we are unfazed by any consequences if anyone attempts to impeach Governor Fubara.

“Why is it so difficult for undemocratic elements to allow Fubara to continue his uncommon progressive transformational administration in Rivers State? It is high time people realize that Governor Fubara is not alone in this fight.”