As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to resume his duties following a six-month suspension imposed under emergency rule, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a firm call for his unwavering allegiance to the party. The PDP urges him to reject any enticements from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the governance of Rivers State during his absence.
In separate statements, PDP’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, emphasized that Fubara’s reinstatement should signal a new chapter for Rivers State-one characterized by transparency, unity, and strict adherence to party principles.
Osuoha clarified that the governor’s suspension was a direct consequence of the President’s constitutional declaration of a state of emergency aimed at preventing a collapse of law and order within the state.
“The President’s emergency declaration was constitutionally valid,” Osuoha noted.
With the rivers-apc-fubara-reinstatement/” title=”… APC Courts Fubara in a Bold Move Ahead of Reinstatement”>emergency period now concluded, he affirmed that no legal impediment remains to prevent Governor Fubara from resuming his official responsibilities.
“The suspension was limited to six months without any extension, so he is legally obligated to return and fulfill his role as the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” he added.
While acknowledging ongoing legal discussions about suspending an elected official under emergency rule, Osuoha insisted that Fubara’s comeback should foster reconciliation and effective governance.
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“Nigerians expect a harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches in Rivers State, as well as between the Governor and the House of Assembly,” he said. “It is equally important that the Governor maintains a respectful rapport with his political sponsors. Peace and unity are essential for the state’s progress, especially considering the challenges Rivers has endured.”
Reiterating the party’s position, Osuoha called on Fubara to deepen his engagement with PDP activities and uphold its core values.
“He remains a PDP member and should actively participate in party affairs. The party stands as a pillar of support in times of difficulty. I look forward to seeing him fully involved in PDP to affirm his loyalty publicly,” he stated.
Conversely, Osadolor adopted a more stringent stance, cautioning Fubara against any inclination to join the APC and demanding a thorough investigation into the interim administration led by Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas during the emergency period.
“The people of Rivers will finally find relief as the illegitimate actions taken during this period are scrutinized,” Osadolor remarked. “I urge the Governor not to succumb to calls for superficial peace that ignore justice. True peace can only be achieved through accountability. It is his responsibility to rigorously examine the six months under Admiral Ibas, who managed the state’s resources, possibly for personal gain.”
He stressed that any misconduct uncovered must be addressed decisively within the framework of the law.
“If wrongdoing is established, the Governor must ensure that the responsible parties face legal consequences. Remember, Admiral Ibas was never elected by the people of Rivers, yet he controlled their resources while Governor Fubara was suspended,” he added.
Osadolor also warned Fubara to be wary of ambiguous political offers from the APC, which he believes are designed to marginalize him.
“Are they inviting him to lead the APC in Rivers, or promising him a ticket for 2027? Such vague promises are traps meant to end his political career. He must be astute enough to recognize this,” he cautioned.
“Crossing over to the APC would validate the unlawful suspension and effectively end his political journey.”
He urged Fubara to publicly reaffirm his electoral mandate and remain steadfast in his loyalty to both the party and the electorate.
“He needs the moral fortitude to assure the people of Rivers that he will not defect or abandon his political base. If he harbors future ambitions, he should openly share them with the people and demonstrate unwavering commitment by delivering exemplary governance throughout this challenging period,” Osadolor concluded.
