The Ijaw National Congress (INC), representing the Ijaw-speaking people of the Niger Delta, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to safeguard Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from a potential impeachment over allegations of “gross misconduct.”

Speaking to journalists over the weekend amid renewed impeachment efforts by the Rivers State House of Assembly, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba described the process as politically motivated and a “case of vendetta” that must not succeed.

“APC has a responsibility to defend Sim Fubara. But if Fubara is eventually impeached, we will see this as a clear betrayal of the Ijaw Nation,” Okaba warned.

Prof. Okaba also criticized four lawmakers—Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma), Peter Abbey (Degema), Barile Nwakoh (Khana I), and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor II)—who initially sought a political solution but later joined their colleagues in supporting the impeachment. He accused them of lacking integrity and being influenced to act against the interest of the people.

“This attitude shows that the Assembly is made up of people who don’t have principle. Their goal is to serve individual interests, which could undermine democracy, peace, and unity,” he said.

Okaba stressed that while the impeachment effort is ultimately “fruitless,” it highlights the dangers of excessive godfatherism in politics. He warned that the INC would take decisive action if Governor Fubara is removed from office.