The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has backed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for another term, warning the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to refrain from impeding the governor’s re-election efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday, IYC President Theophilus Alaye mentioned that the endorsement came after thorough discussions throughout the Ijaw nation and a detailed evaluation of Rivers State’s political trajectory and development plan.
The endorsement follows recent political shifts in the state, after Fubara’s switch from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress—a change widely regarded as a significant move before the 2027 elections. Numerous members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had previously shifted allegiance to the APC.
Fubara’s departure signified a clear split from his enduring connections with the PDP and effectively established him as the representative of the APC in Rivers State.
Wike has lately condemned the governor, claiming he has not upheld political agreements and asserting that he will not achieve re-election.
The FCT minister additionally asserted that Fubara has no backing from the people of Rivers and is being politically misguided.
In response, the Ijaw Youth Council stated that it stands firm in its belief that Fubara embodies stability, maturity, and accountable leadership during this crucial period in the state’s history.
The council observed that despite ongoing political distractions and what it termed as undue interference, the governor has stayed composed, concentrated, and dedicated to efficient governance.
The IYC states that Fubara’s administration has maintained a development agenda centered on the people, emphasizing infrastructure renewal and urban growth; empowering youth and creating jobs; enhancing education and healthcare systems; encouraging peace, inclusion, and social unity; and promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
Alaye emphasized that the patience of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness.
He said, “The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, under the leadership of Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, hereby reaffirms its total, unwavering, and unequivocal support for His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and formally endorses him for a second term in office in the 2027 general elections.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide categorically states that it does not recognize, accept, or align with any political arrangements or agreements being promoted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or any of his proxies that seek to undermine the authority or constitutional mandate of the Governor of Rivers State.”
Alaye also emphasized that in Nigeria, leaders like Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Seriake Dickson provided their successors with the necessary political space to govern effectively, asserting that Governor Fubara is entitled to the same democratic maturity and respect.
He added, “On behalf of over 30 million Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta, we hereby formally and unanimously endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in 2027. We believe his continuity in office is vital to sustaining peace, unity, and development in Rivers State.
“If the Federal Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress desire the support of the Ijaw nation in 2027, then respect for the will of the Rivers people and non-interference in the affairs of the state must be upheld.”
In the meantime, Fubara has urged the Ogoni community and their representative organization, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), to foster unity and collaborate in pursuit of their common objectives.
The governor issued the statement in a congratulatory message to commemorate Ogoni Day, which is celebrated every year on January 4. The announcement was included in a statement released on Sunday in Port Harcourt by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo.
Fubara characterized Ogoni Day as a significant emblem of strength, identity, and the ongoing fight of the Ogoni people.
Part of the statement read, “The Governor also paid tribute to the trailblazing role of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, whose peaceful struggle brought global attention to issues of environmental justice, equity, and human rights in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.”
He mentioned that the sacrifices and courage of the Ogoni people remain a defining chapter in Nigeria’s socio-political and democratic history.
According to him, Ogoni Day offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals that have sustained the struggle over the decades.
He said, “Therefore, all Ogoni leaders and stakeholders must eschew disunity and internal divisions within MOSOP and the wider Ogoni community. Unity of purpose is critical to advancing the collective interest of the people.
“This call for unity is especially important at this time when the Federal Government has shown demonstrable commitment through the ongoing dialogue process aimed at addressing past injustices and lingering challenges.”
Fubara also stated that the Rivers State Government remains steadfast in its support for a united MOSOP and a united Ogoni people.
“As a government, we are committed to supporting all genuine efforts that promote peace, dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Ogoniland and the rest of the state,” he said.
