Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed rumors suggesting that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amidst ongoing tensions with his predecessor and former political mentor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara affirmed that Rivers State remains a stronghold of the PDP and stated there is no truth to the speculation that he intends to leave the party.
The governor made these remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) led by its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The visit was part of efforts by the PDP to mediate the escalating conflict between Fubara and Wike, which has caused unrest within the party.
Fubara expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as a reassuring gesture that reinforced his commitment to the PDP. He emphasized that despite the ongoing “drama,” he remains a dedicated member of the party. “If I was having any doubt about my membership of this great party, today’s visit has reconfirmed that I am still a member of the PDP,” Fubara said.
He also noted the significance of the BoT delegation, which included founding members of the PDP, such as Chief Bode George, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, who are focused on preserving the unity of the party in Rivers State.
The governor assured the delegation of his willingness to provide a clear account of the issues fueling the current crisis, reiterating his consistent stance on matters both in Abuja and Port Harcourt. Fubara expressed optimism that the BoT’s intervention would help put an end to the rumors and restore peace within the party.
In his remarks, PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity within the party, particularly in Rivers State, which is crucial to the PDP’s national prospects. He warned that losing Rivers State would be a significant setback not only for the PDP but for Nigeria’s political landscape as a whole.
Wabara praised Governor Fubara for his resilience and commitment to the party, assuring him that the BoT would address the crisis in accordance with the party’s constitution. After the meeting, Wabara expressed optimism that the conflict would be resolved soon and indicated that the BoT would also engage with the other parties involved to hear their perspectives.
The ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike have raised concerns within the PDP, but the BoT’s intervention is seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute and maintaining the party’s strength in Rivers State.
