The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Alaye Tari Theophilus, has accused members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of pushing to gain unrestricted access to the state’s treasury, claiming this is the underlying cause of the ongoing political standoff with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The allegation was made during an interview on a national television programme.
Theophilus said concerns over financial control and alleged attempts by lawmakers to benefit personally from public funds have exacerbated tensions between the executive and legislature. He asserted that Assembly members wanted open access to state funds, a practice he framed as being driven by self-interest rather than public service, a contrast, he argued, to Fubara’s approach focused on prudent financial management for residents’ benefit.
Describing the governor as “prudent and people-oriented,” Theophilus said Fubara resisted calls to loosen financial controls and denied lawmakers the kind of unfettered access that has, in his view, characterised past administrations. “If it is state treasury they want access to, he cannot give it,” he said, stressing that funds should be used for infrastructure, human capital development and the general welfare of Rivers residents.
The IYC leader also claimed the council had attempted various stakeholder and peace-building initiatives involving elders and community leaders to defuse tensions, but that lawmakers rejected these proposals. He said the dispute underscores broader concerns about governance culture and accountability in the state legislature’s conduct.
The controversy comes amid a long-running conflict between the Rivers State executive and assembly, a dispute that has included impeachment efforts and legal interventions. The IYC’s comments add another layer to an already complex political crisis that continues to attract public and media scrutiny.
