Former Local Government Chairmen under the Ijaw strand in Rivers State have called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to fully adhere to the Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s political crisis, emphasising that compliance is crucial for peace and development.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Former Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, speaking on behalf of the group accused Governor Fubara of hesitating to implement the apex court’s decision.
He criticised the governor’s rejection of a presidential intervention, which he argued would have been in his favour. Sekibo claimed that “conflict-preneurs,” or external influencers, were exacerbating the crisis by impacting the governor’s decisions.
“It is necessary to point out that the Presidential intervention gave Governor Fubara victory by ensuring that he will never be impeached and encouraged him to work with the Assembly but it was rejected by him as unconstitutional, at the behest of these same few conflict-preneurs from within and outside the state,” he said.
Sekibo expressed concern that, despite the Supreme Court ruling, tensions in the state persist, accompanied by threats directed at the government.
He alleged that some individuals and groups identifying with the Ijaw ethnic community were attempting to destabilise the state by threatening to sabotage national oil infrastructure if Fubara were impeached.
He specifically named Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the Leader of the Ijaw National Congress, and former militant leader Asari Dokubo as individuals making threats that could threaten Nigeria’s energy security.
He questioned why impeachment remained a contentious issue despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter and condemned the threats as baseless. Sekibo urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian public to disregard these threats, warning that such rhetoric casts the Ijaw community in a negative light. He also criticised Governor Fubara for allegedly fostering discontent regarding the Supreme Court ruling instead of using it as an opportunity to promote peace.
“We stringently condemn those empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard such comments which project the Ijaws in a bad light. Moreso, it is a fact that these threats attack the sensitivity of people from other ethnic groups in Rivers State who also voted for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Unfortunately, the Governor himself is not blameless for Inciting condemnation of the judgement. Instead of calming down frayed nerves after the judgement, he personally in a public speech made allusions to his intentions to lead youths and supporters to promote violence,” he stated.
Emphasising that impeachment is a constitutional process for holding public office holders accountable, Sekibo called on the Ijaw community to ensure that Governor Fubara avoids actions that could lead to his removal.
He further urged security agencies to expedite the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment and pledged their support in addressing those inciting unrest in the state.
“To ensure the speedy implementation of the Supreme Court Judgment, we call on the Police, the DSS, the military, and all other security agencies who have a stake in the defence of the Nation and its mandate, to spread their tentacles in ensuring prompt and peaceful implementation of the Supreme Court Judgment,” he added.
Sekibo also called on Rivers youths especially those of the Ijaw extraction to shun acts that will threaten lives and properties in the communities.
The press briefing was attended by former chairpersons of Ogu/Bolo, Hon Daniel Daniel; Okrika, Hon. Akuro Tobin; Andoni, Hon. Erastus Awortu; Asari-Toru, Hon. Onengiye George; Akuku-Toru, Hon Rowland Sekibo; Degema, Hon Michael Williams and Vice Chairmen of Ahoada West and PHALGA Hon. Ubile Jacks and Hon Tamunotonye Douglas all of whom advocated for adherence to the rule of law.
