PDP to Fubara: Stay Loyal, Probe Interim Rule in Rivers

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to resume office after a six-month suspension under emergency rule, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned him against yielding to overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party urged the Governor to remain steadfast in his commitment to the PDP and to demonstrate visible loyalty through active participation in party affairs.

Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, explained that the Governor’s suspension was constitutionally tied to the emergency declaration imposed to curb instability in Rivers State. With the expiration of the emergency rule, he emphasized that Fubara is expected to return immediately to his duties as the elected Executive Governor.

Osuoha further called for reconciliation and cooperation, urging the Governor to mend political relationships and restore unity for the sake of Rivers’ development. According to him, party loyalty remains essential in Nigeria’s political system. “Party is supreme. If you have any problem, the party will come to your rescue,” he said.

PDP Calls for Accountability in Rivers State

In a separate statement, Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, called on Fubara to investigate how Rivers State was managed under interim administrator Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. He argued that accountability is necessary for justice, stressing that peace cannot be sustained without addressing possible mismanagement of public funds.

Osadolor noted that Admiral Ibas, who was appointed during the emergency period, lacked electoral legitimacy and constitutional immunity. He insisted that if any wrongdoing is uncovered, the interim administrator must face the full weight of the law. “The Rivers people will heave a sigh of relief that the illegality wrought upon them will finally be addressed,” he declared.

He also advised the Governor to resist pressures to seek “political correctness” at the expense of justice. According to him, overlooking alleged misappropriation during the interim rule would betray the trust of Rivers citizens.

Defection Warnings and Political Future

Beyond accountability, the PDP leaders expressed concern over reported efforts by the APC to woo Governor Fubara. Osadolor warned that accepting such offers could jeopardize his political career and diminish the legitimacy of his elected mandate.

He questioned the motives behind APC’s overtures, describing them as vague promises aimed at undermining Fubara’s political base. “Any attempt for him to cross over to the APC will mean legitimising the illegal suspension and putting the final nail in his political coffin,” he said.

Both PDP officials stressed that the Governor must reaffirm his loyalty to the party and the Rivers electorate. They urged him to focus on delivering quality governance and to assure citizens that he remains committed to their trust.