Former Local Government Chairmen under the Ijaw strand in Rivers State have called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s ongoing political crisis, stressing that adherence to the ruling is essential for peace and development.
At a press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Hon. Rowland Sekibo, former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), spoke on behalf of the group. He accused Governor Fubara of hesitating to implement the apex court’s decision and rejected a presidential intervention that he claimed could have worked in the governor’s favour.
Sekibo criticized the governor’s rejection of the intervention, attributing the decision to external influences from “conflict-preneurs” who, he argued, were exacerbating the political crisis in the state. He stated that the Presidential intervention had secured victory for Fubara, preventing any impeachment threats and encouraging cooperation with the state Assembly, yet the governor dismissed it as unconstitutional.
The former LGA chairmen expressed concern that despite the Supreme Court ruling, tensions in the state continue, with threats aimed at the government. Sekibo alleged that certain individuals and groups, particularly those identifying with the Ijaw ethnic community, were escalating the crisis by threatening to sabotage national oil infrastructure if Fubara were to be impeached. He specifically mentioned Prof. Benjamin Okaba, leader of the Ijaw National Congress, and former militant leader Asari Dokubo as individuals making these threats, which he claimed could undermine Nigeria’s energy security.
Sekibo condemned the threats as baseless, questioning why the issue of impeachment remains contentious despite the Supreme Court’s verdict. He further criticized Governor Fubara for not using the ruling as an opportunity to promote peace but instead, he suggested, fostering discontent through public statements.
“We condemn these empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to ignore such rhetoric, which unfairly tarnishes the Ijaw community’s image,” Sekibo said. He also pointed out that such threats could stir tensions between ethnic groups within Rivers State, which could undermine the unity that supported Fubara’s election.
Sekibo urged the Ijaw community to ensure the governor avoids actions that could lead to his impeachment. He also called on security agencies, including the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military, to enforce the Supreme Court ruling swiftly and peacefully.
“To ensure the swift implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, we call on security agencies to act decisively and uphold the law,” he stated.
In conclusion, Sekibo appealed to Rivers youths, particularly those of Ijaw descent, to avoid violence and actions that could endanger lives and properties within the state. The press briefing was attended by former chairpersons from various LGAs, including Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema, as well as Vice Chairmen of Ahoada West and PHALGA, who all advocated for strict adherence to the rule of law.
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