The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), a revered traditional institution of the Ijaw people, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it would “shock” him if Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is impeached. The warning came in response to recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who declared that “heaven will not fall” if Fubara is removed from office.
Speaking through its chairman, Werinipre Noel Digifa, the SEA expressed deep concern over Wike’s remarks and accused him of displaying recklessness and arrogance toward the Ijaw nation. Digifa also criticized President Tinubu for allegedly failing to rein in Wike, whom he accused of manipulating the judiciary to achieve his political goals.
“Heaven will not fall if Fubara is impeached. We won’t resort to violence either. But at the appropriate time, we will let President Tinubu know what one of his ‘best eleven’ has done to the Ijaw people,” Digifa stated.
He further alleged that Wike had turned the judiciary into a personal estate, using it to advance his interests. “Tinubu should be held responsible for Wike’s actions. He has turned the judiciary into his personal estate, manipulating it to suit his desires. Wike preempted the Supreme Court judgment, and it went exactly as he wanted,” Digifa claimed.
Despite the grievances, Digifa assured that the Ijaw people would not resort to violence if Fubara is removed from office. However, he condemned Wike’s “crass arrogance” and verbal attacks on the Ijaw ethnic nationality, urging caution against reckless confrontation. He referenced an African proverb to emphasize the consequences of provoking a peaceful community.
Digifa also blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, for supporting Wike’s rise to power, arguing that they overlooked more credible candidates. “The Jonathans are responsible for Wike’s emergence. They ignored better candidates and supported him, and now we are seeing the results,” he said.
The SEA’s warning highlights the growing tension in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region, as political rivalries continue to escalate. The Ijaw people, a significant ethnic group in the region, have historically played a crucial role in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Their stance on the impeachment threat against Fubara underscores the potential for wider repercussions if the crisis is not handled carefully.
As the situation unfolds, the SEA’s call for restraint and accountability serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain peace and stability in the region. The warning to President Tinubu also signals the Ijaw people’s determination to protect their interests and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
