Shun defection, probe 6-month rule in Rivers – PDP tells Fubara

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara gets set to resume duties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on him to remain steadfast with the party and resist overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in separate interviews with Vanguard, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stressed that Fubara’s return should signal a new phase of accountability and leadership in Rivers State.

The party leaders urged the governor to launch a probe into the management of the state during the six months he was suspended under emergency rule.

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Osuoha explained that Fubara’s suspension was constitutionally tied to a state of emergency declared by the President to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.

“The issue is that there was an emergency declaration by the President, constitutionally, which is allowed,” Osuoha said.

He added that with the expiration of the six-month period, the Governor is expected to resume his duties without delay.

“So that means he has to come back to office because the suspension was for six months, and there has been no extension. Therefore, he must return and assume his role as the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Osuoha stated.

The PDP’s legal adviser acknowledged the controversies surrounding the legality of suspending an elected governor under emergency rule, but stressed that Fubara’s return should usher in reconciliation and development.

“Every Nigerian expects a cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State, between the Governor and the House of Assembly.

“Let there also be a good relationship between him and his godfather, whoever made it possible for him to secure that position. There must be peace and unity in the state so that development can take place because Rivers has suffered a lot.”

Osuoha also called on Fubara to actively participate in party activities, stressing that in Nigeria’s political system, no candidate operates independently of a political party.

“He is still a member of the PDP and should participate more fully in party affairs. Party is supreme. If you have any problem, the party will come to your rescue and support you. I want to see him participating fully in PDP so Nigerians will know he belongs to the party,” Osuoha advised.

On his part, Osadolor issued a sterner warning, urging Fubara to resist pressure to defect to the APC and instead focus on holding accountable those who oversaw Rivers State during the emergency period.

“The Rivers people will heave a sigh of relief that the illegality wrought upon them will finally be addressed,” Osadolor said.

“The only thing I ask of the Governor is that he should not fall for voices calling for political correctness in the name of peace. There is no peace without justice. The onus lies on him to thoroughly interrogate these six months that Admiral Ibas spent in office, appropriating and misappropriating the resources of the Rivers people for whatever interests he might have allegedly served.”

He insisted that the interim administrator must face justice if wrongdoing is uncovered, pointing out that Admiral Ibas was never elected by the people and did not have constitutional immunity.

“Whenever wrongdoing is found, the Governor should not hesitate to make him face the full weight of the law.

“The last time I checked, he was never elected by the Rivers people, and yet he presided over their resources and taxpayers’ money while Governor Fubara, who was duly elected, was suspended,” Osadolor declared.

He further cautioned Fubara against being lured into the APC with promises that could compromise his political future.

“When they are inviting him now, are they inviting him to become the leader of APC in Rivers, or are they promising him their ticket for 2027? These vague offers are meant to lure and bury him politically. He must be smart enough to see through the lines,” he warned.

“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.

Osadolor also urged Fubara to publicly reaffirm his mandate from the Rivers people and remain focused on delivering quality leadership.

“He must have the moral courage to tell the Rivers people that he will not defect or change his political base.

“If he has aspirations for the future, he should put those thoughts before the Rivers people and remain loyal to their trust by standing firm through this six-month trial and delivering top-notch governance based on service,” Osadolor said.