In a bold display of protest, Ijaw youths in Rivers State have taken to blocking the vital East-West Road, a key transportation route in the Niger Delta region, in response to the looming threat of impeachment against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The action follows mounting tensions over the recent discussions and moves within the Rivers State House of Assembly, where members have been reportedly pushing for the impeachment of Governor Fubara, citing a variety of political and governance concerns. Ijaw youths, who are a significant political and cultural force in the region, have expressed strong opposition to the move, viewing it as an unjust attack on their political representation and an attempt to undermine the mandate they believe Fubara was democratically elected to fulfill.
“We stand in solidarity with Governor Fubara. The threats against his administration are not only politically motivated but are also aimed at destabilizing the progress and unity we have fought for,” said a spokesperson for the Ijaw Youth Council, which has coordinated the protests. “We will not allow the aspirations of the Ijaw people to be undermined. We are here to make our voices heard, and we will continue to take action until our demands for justice and fairness are met.”
The East-West Road, which connects the Niger Delta region to other parts of the country, has been blocked in multiple locations, causing significant disruptions to traffic. The protestors are demanding that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara be halted and that political dialogue be used to resolve the issues at hand.
The blockade has prompted an urgent response from security agencies and government officials, who are attempting to mediate the situation. Local authorities have called for calm and are engaging with community leaders to find a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s office has not issued a formal statement on the protests but has previously expressed confidence that the legal processes around his administration’s governance are sound. His supporters argue that the impeachment proceedings lack merit and are being driven by political opponents.