Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is facing impeachment threats from 27 lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, due to his refusal to present the 2025 budget and allow the screening of his commissioners. However, Fubara’s survival chances may not be as bleak as they seem, thanks to the potential neutrality of Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi, who is known for being principled and uncompromising.
A weak Leader?
Fubara’s leadership style has been criticized as weak, with some arguing that he has failed to exert his authority in the face of opposition. Despite this, he still enjoys a robust support base, particularly from the Ijaw community, who have warned that any attempt to impeach him would be met with resistance.
Division Among Ijaws
However, not all Ijaws are united in their support for Fubara. The Rivers Rescue Movement has rebuked the Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress leadership for their statements on the crisis, describing them as “reckless, thoughtless, and provocative.”
Support Base
Despite the criticism, Fubara still enjoys a robust support base, particularly from the Ijaw community. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have both come out in support of the governor, warning that any attempt to impeach him would be met with resistance. The INC’s President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, noted that the Ijaw people would defend Fubara “with every pint of blood in their veins,” emphasizing that they would not stand by and allow their long-awaited tenure to be truncated.
Conclusion
The crisis in Rivers State is ongoing, with the 32-member assembly having been engulfed in turmoil since October, and two rival factions vying for control. Ultimately, Fubara’s fate will depend on various factors, including the Chief Judge’s decision and the level of support he receives from his base.
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