Ijaw Youth Council urges Wike to cease fire with Fubara in interest of peace

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike has been called upon to cease fire in the ongoing political crisis snowballing into attempt to impeach the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

The Eastern Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in a joint statement on Thursday urged the former governor to de-escalate the crisis in the interest of peace in oil-rich Rivers.

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The statement which was signed by Abel Peterside, said, Wike’s latest altercation with Fubara clearly undermine the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu on 26th June, 2025

“Rather than consolidating the post-agreement phase, the minister has pursued hostility, public provocations, and political interference,” the statement reads.

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The groups criticised Wike for positioning himself as the “ultimate arbiter” of political succession in Rivers, including making claims over who can contest future elections.

They described his public reprimands of traditional rulers as “overbearing and disrespectful” to institutions that should remain free from partisan intimidation.

“We also find the minister’s public reprimand of two revered traditional rulers regarding their probable interest in political matters to be unduly overbearing and disrespectful to the institution of traditional authority, which must remain insulated from intimidation and partisan control,” the groups said.

The INC and IYC said Fubara is entitled to contest future elections, including the 2027 governorship, without intimidation or preconditions.

“Siminalayi Fubara, as a bona fide Rivers citizen, retains the unrestricted right to contest any future election, including the 2027 governorship race, without coercion, intimidation or political preconditions,” the groups said.

“No individual may arrogate to himself the power to determine the political destiny of Rivers State.

“We therefore call on Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to immediately de-escalate hostilities and cease all acts and statements capable of destabilising Rivers State.”

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