Rivers Emergency Rule: PDP Begs Gov Fubara Not to Dump Party

The Peoples Democratic Party has called on reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to dump the party.

President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 proclaimed an emergency rule in Rivers, following a lingering political crisis in the state.

The crisis, caused by a power tussle between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, FCT minister Nyesom Wike, created political tension in the state, paralysing governance.

Mr Tinubu, on the proclamation of the emergency rule, suspended Mr Fubara and the state’s lawmakers for six months and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.

Meanwhile, the president on Wednesday announced an end to the emergency rule and directed all elected officials to resume their offices effective from Thursday.

Specifically, the PDP vice-chairman (Lagos Central), Hakeem Olalemi, urged Mr Fubara not to entertain fear but to be “very courageous” to govern Rivers.

“The governor should not muster any fear; the deed has been done. He should continue strong and be faithful in doing what is expected of him as the governor of the state. Fubara must make Rivers great again.

“The governor should nurture the party that brought him to power into a bigger platform. He should not jettison that party. He should ensure the party becomes stronger in the state and region,” Mr Olalemi said.

Mr Olalemi also urged all Rivers political gladiators to consider the people and allow peace and harmony to reign.

“There is no need for us to clap, dance, jump, or celebrate that Governor Fubara has been reinstated. He has gotten back the mandate freely given to him at the ballot but now weakened.

“Our advice to the legislative and executive arms is to work together and in harmony for the betterment of the good people of Rivers. These are the people that voted for them, and their interest should supersede all politics and politicking,” the PDP chieftain added.

Mr Olalemi said that the electorate deserved to enjoy the dividends of democracy, saying, “They should reap the fruit of their labour.”

The chieftain advised all lawmakers, especially those who had initially pledged allegiance to the All Progressives Congress, following the crisis, to return to PDP.

“I will advise those 27 lawmakers who initially pledged loyalty to APC to retrace their steps back and come back to PDP fully to develop the party,” he said.

Mr Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly on Thursday returned to office after the lifting of the emergency rule.

(NAN)