Abuja, Nigeria – The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYCW) has strongly opposed claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State agreed to serve only one term as a condition for his reinstatement.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” on Tuesday, Theophilus Alaye, President of the IYCW, described the reported single-term deal as speculative and unconstitutional. He asserted that Governor Fubara, like every other Nigerian, has the constitutional right to seek re-election in 2027.
“The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is a citizen of Nigeria, and by virtue of the Nigerian constitution, we believe that the governor has the right to seek re-election,” Alaye stated.
His remarks come amid reports by TheCable that President Bola Tinubu recently brokered a truce that would see Fubara reinstated under the condition that he would not seek a second term. The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, reportedly involved Tinubu, Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, suspended Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.
Alaye, however, dismissed any agreement that would limit Fubara to a single term, insisting such a condition would amount to political oppression and a breach of the governor’s fundamental rights.
“When we get to 2027, we shall know if that is part of the agreement. And if he has delivered the dividends of democracy for Rivers people, it is left for Rivers people to ask him to contest or not,” he said.
He emphasized the IYCW’s historical stance against marginalization and warned that any attempt to suppress Fubara’s political rights would be resisted.
“Oppression is what we would never support. We have always been a group of marginalised persons, and agitation has always been part of our lifestyle,” he added.
The IYCW pledged its full support for Governor Fubara’s constitutional rights, reiterating their commitment to defending democratic principles and opposing any political imposition.
