The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone, has threatened to shut down oil production in the Niger Delta region, expressing deep concern over the current tense political situation in Rivers State.

The group said the 48-hour ultimatum issued to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, by Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget was a clear indication of an orchestrated effort to create chaos and potentially impeach the governor.

At a resumed sitting after the Supreme Court judgment, the Amaewhule-led Assembly, on Monday, gave Fubara 48 hours to represent the 2025 budget, and the ultimatum is expected to elapse on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

The IYC, in a statement, by its Chairman, Prince Datolu Sukubo, and Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene immediately and halt the ongoing crisis that threatens to plunge Rivers State into an avoidable crisis.

The group said such instability would have severe repercussions not only for Rivers State?s governance but also for crude oil production and energy security, which are vital to the national economy.

The group threatened, ?If Rivers State is starved of its economic right because of one who wants to monopolize Rivers State economy we will also starve the economy of Nigeria?

?We are aware of alarming plans by certain elements to destabilize Rivers State and undermine the mandate given to our elected officials. This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who have entrusted their governance to one of our own.

?We firmly warn that we will not stand by and allow detractors to steal this mandate. We are committed to defending our rights and ensuring that the voices of the Ijaw people are heard and respected.

The recent Supreme Court judgment nullified the election of local government council chairmen. This decision has created an environment ripe for manipulation by those who do not have the best interests of Rivers State or the Ijaw nation at heart?

IYC said it is crucial to work together to maintain peace and stability in Rivers State and urge all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and collaboration over conflict.

?Let us not allow the ambitions of a few to jeopardize the future of our state and its people which will further endanger the economy of this country, because any attempt to stop Rivers State Allocation which will cause hardships to innocent civil servants and also reduce the speedy developmental projects implementation by the Rivers State government will definitely have negative effect on the economy of this country, as Ijaw people we will not fold our hands and allow the continued political marginalization of our own.? (The Guardian)

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