Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been urged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain loyal to the party, reject overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and probe the management of the state during the six-month emergency rule.
Speaking in Abuja, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said Fubara’s resumption must be defined by accountability, party loyalty, and renewed peace in the oil-rich state.
Osuoha explained that the governor’s suspension was constitutionally linked to the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu, which has now expired.
“With the six months over and no extension granted, Governor Fubara must return to office and resume his constitutional duties,” he stated.
While acknowledging disputes over the legality of suspending an elected governor, Osuoha urged Fubara to prioritize reconciliation.
“There must be cordial relations between the Governor and the House of Assembly, and between him and his political benefactors. Rivers has suffered too much; it is time for peace and unity,” he added.
He also reminded Fubara of the supremacy of party structures:
“He is still a PDP governor. He must fully participate in party affairs so Nigerians will know where he stands. Party is supreme.”
In a stronger warning, Osadolor cautioned Fubara against yielding to APC’s overtures, describing them as “political traps” that could end his career.
“Any attempt to defect will legitimise the illegal suspension and put the final nail in his political coffin,” he said.
Osadolor further demanded a probe into the tenure of interim administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, alleging mismanagement of state resources.
“There can be no peace without justice. The governor must interrogate the six months Admiral Ibas spent in office. If wrongdoing is established, he should face the law. He was never elected and has no immunity,” he declared.
He urged Fubara to reaffirm his mandate to the Rivers people and stay focused on governance.
“He must assure Rivers people that he will not defect, that their trust was not misplaced. That moral courage will strengthen his legitimacy and define his political future,” Osadolor said.
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