IYC accuses Rivers lawmakers of targeting state funds in standoff with governor Fubara

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, Alaye Tari Theophilus, has alleged that the ongoing political tension between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara is driven by the lawmakers’ demand for unrestricted access to the state treasury.

Theophilus made the allegation during an interview on ARISE Television’s Morning Show on Friday, where he spoke on the roots of the lingering crisis in the state legislature.

According to him, the central issue behind the confrontation is Governor Fubara’s refusal to allow members of the House of Assembly free access to state funds, a move he said has angered the lawmakers and stalled reconciliation efforts.

“The central issue in the recent Rivers crisis is Governor Fubara’s refusal to grant Assembly members unrestricted access to state funds,” Theophilus said.

“They have rejected all peace initiatives proposed by the Ijaw Youth Council and others, insisting that the governor is too stingy and does not want them to benefit.”

He explained that the IYC had made several efforts to resolve the impasse, including engaging key stakeholders and elders from the affected constituencies to facilitate dialogue with the lawmakers. However, he said these interventions have not yielded results.

Theophilus further accused some legislators of operating within what he described as a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s democratic system, where lawmakers allegedly see themselves as contractors or businessmen rather than public servants.

“But the truth of the matter is that there has been a Nigerian system, or a moving pattern in Nigerian democracy, where Assembly members or legislators become contractors or businessmen,” he said.

“They approach the governor outside their constituency projects to be given allocations from the state treasury, enabling them to live flamboyant lifestyles.”

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He contrasted this with what he described as Governor Fubara’s leadership style, portraying the governor as prudent and people-focused.

“But today, we have a very prudent and people-oriented governor,” Theophilus said. “He has made it clear that if it is the Rivers treasury they want, he cannot give it to them. But if it is good governance they seek, then they can work together.”

According to the IYC president, the refusal to grant what he termed “unrestricted access” to state funds is at the heart of the dispute, as the governor insists that public resources should be used strictly for the benefit of Rivers residents.

“So that is where the bone of contention lies,” he added. “They want the Rivers treasury to be open so they can take whatever they want, as has allegedly happened in previous administrations. But Governor Fubara has said no — that these funds belong to the Rivers people and must be used for infrastructure, human capital development and good governance.”