The leadership crisis between certain political gladiators in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election has recently taken a disturbing dimension following the resolution of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second tenure in office.

The Council, whichh equally dared the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urged him to allow Governor Fubara the freedom to discharge his constitutional responsibilities without interference.

Its President, Theophilus Alaye, in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Abuja, noted that it took the decision after extensive consultations across the Ijaw nation and a thorough review of the political and developmental direction of the state.

Alaye further disclosed that the leadership of the IYC is united in the belief that Fubara represents stability, maturity, and responsible governance at a critical time in Rivers State’s history.

The Council also expressed happiness that, despite the persistent political distractions and undue interference, Fubara has remained calm, focused, and committed to delivering quality governance.

It noted that his administration has continued to pursue a clear and people-centred development agenda anchored on: infrastructure renewal and urban development; youth empowerment and job creation; strengthening education and healthcare systems; peacebuilding, inclusion, and social cohesion; and transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The Council further warned that the patience of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness, adding: “The IYC Worldwide, under the leadership of Alaye Tari Theophilus, reaffirms its total, unwavering, and unequivocal support for Governor Fubara, and formally endorses him for a second term in office in the 2027 general elections.”

“The IYC Worldwide categorically states that we do not recognise, accept, or align with any political arrangements or agreements promoted by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, or any of his proxies, that seek to undermine the authority or constitutional mandate of the governor of Rivers State,” the Council insisted.

Alaye also noted that it was instructive that, across Nigeria, respected leaders such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Seriake Dickson allowed their successors the political space to govern effectively.

While emphasising that the same democratic maturity and respect must be extended to Fubara, the president noted that, recently, former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, handed over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had just decamped to the ruling party.

He further recalled that only recently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in Enugu State, openly recognised Governor Peter Mbah as the leader of the party in the state, yet Wike is insisting that Fubara is not the leader of the APC despite Fubara being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Alaye noted: “On behalf of over 30 million Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta, we hereby formally and unanimously endorse Governor Fubara for a second term in 2027. We believe his continuity in office is vital to sustaining peace, unity, and development in Rivers State.”

“The IYC Worldwide remains committed to justice, equity, and the democratic aspirations of the Ijaw people and the Nigerian state.

“If the federal government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) desire the support of the Ijaw Nation in 2027, then respect the will of the Rivers people and non-interference in the affairs of the state must be upheld,” the statement read. (The Sun)