Rivers Crisis: Ex-Council Chiefs Accuse Fubara of Ignoring Supreme Court Verdict, Demand Compliance

Former local government chairmen in Rivers State have accused Governor Fubara of disregarding the Supreme Court’s ruling, insisting on immediate implementation.

Former Local Government Chairmen from the Ijaw group in Rivers State have urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling concerning the state’s political crisis, highlighting that such adherence is vital for ensuring peace and fostering development.

At a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, former Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA and representative of the group, accused Governor Fubara of delaying the implementation of the apex court’s decision.

He criticized the governor for rejecting a presidential intervention, asserting that it would have benefited him. Sekibo stated that “conflict-preneurs,” or external influencers, were worsening the crisis by influencing the governor’s decisions.

He stated, “It’s important to note that the Presidential intervention secured Governor Fubara’s victory by preventing his impeachment and encouraging collaboration with the Assembly. However, he rejected this as unconstitutional due to pressure from a few conflict-preneurs both within and outside the state.”

Sekibo expressed concern that tensions in the state continue, along with threats against the government, despite the ruling from the Supreme Court.

He claimed that certain individuals and groups associated with the Ijaw ethnic community were trying to destabilize the state by threatening to sabotage national oil infrastructure if Fubara was impeached.

He singled out Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the Leader of the Ijaw National Congress, and former militant leader Asari Dokubo as individuals issuing threats that could jeopardize Nigeria’s energy security.

He expressed his confusion over why impeachment continued to be a divisive topic even after the Supreme Court’s decision, denouncing the threats as unfounded. Sekibo called on both the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens to ignore these threats, cautioning that such language tarnishes the reputation of the Ijaw community. Additionally, he criticized Governor Fubara for supposedly inciting discord in response to the Supreme Court ruling rather than seizing it as an opportunity to encourage peace.

“We firmly denounce those baseless threats and encourage the Federal Government and Nigerians to ignore such remarks that portray the Ijaw community negatively. Furthermore, these threats are an affront to individuals from other ethnic groups in Rivers State who also supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara with their votes. Regrettably, even the governor himself is partially responsible for provoking criticism of this judgement. Rather than soothing tensions following the ruling, he publicly suggested his plans to rally youths and supporters towards inciting violence,” he remarked.

Sekibo highlighted that impeachment serves as a constitutional means for holding public officials accountable and urged the Ijaw community to ensure Governor Fubara refrains from any actions that might result in his removal.

He additionally called on security agencies to quickly enforce the Supreme Court judgment and promised their support in dealing with individuals who are inciting unrest in the state.

“In order to facilitate the swift execution of the Supreme Court Judgment, he urged all security forces—including the Police, DSS, military, and other relevant agencies responsible for national defense—to expand their efforts in ensuring it is promptly and peacefully implemented.”

Sekibo also urged the youth of Rivers State, particularly those from the Ijaw community, to avoid engaging in activities that could endanger lives and properties in their areas.

Former chairpersons from several regions attended the press briefing, including Hon. Daniel Daniel (Ogu/Bolo), Hon. Akuro Tobin (Okrika), Hon. Erastus Awortu (Andoni), Hon. Onengiye George (Asari-Toru), and Hon. Rowland Sekibo (Akuku-Toru). In addition, Vice Chairmen of Ahoada West and PHALGA, namely, Hon Ubile Jacks and Hon Tamunotonye Douglas were present among them all prominently advocating for adherence to the rule of law.