Rivers Assembly Clash: Ijaw Youths Leader Blames Lawmakers’ Grab for State Funds

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Alaye Tari Theophilus, has accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of attempting to frustrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara due to their desire for unrestricted access to state funds.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Theophilus said the ongoing standoff stems from the governor’s refusal to grant lawmakers free rein over the state treasury.

“The core of the recent Rivers crisis is Governor Fubara’s stance against Assembly members’ demand for open access to state finances,” Theophilus said. “They have rejected peace initiatives by the Ijaw Youth Council and other stakeholders, insisting the governor is too cautious and unwilling to let them benefit personally.”

He added that various efforts, including interventions by local elders and stakeholders, have failed to resolve the conflict. “There has been a pattern in Nigerian democracy where legislators, outside their constituency projects, seek allocations from the state treasury for personal enrichment. Today, Governor Fubara has drawn a clear line: funds are for the people of Rivers, intended for infrastructural development, human capital, and good governance,” he said.

The IYC leader noted that while previous administrations allowed Assembly members to live “flamboyant lives” through treasury allocations, Fubara’s “people-oriented” approach has become the source of tension.

“They want the Rivers treasury to be open for them to take what they want, as has been done in the past. But Governor Fubara insists that the funds are for the benefit of the people, not for personal gain,” Theophilus explained.