The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and made the announcement at a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt.
Penpushing reports that Fubara speaking at the meeting said there was no way he could support President Bola Tinubu for second term ambition, if he did not join the All Progressives Congress (APC)
“We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support. So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC’, he said
Penpushing further reports that Fubara’s defection came after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, but the details of their meeting were not disclosed.
The Governor reportedly arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before being escorted to the President’s office and departed at about 5:45 p.m.
Penpushing also reports with his defection, he has joined his counterparts Governor Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta State); Governor, Umo Eno (Akwa-Ibom State); Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu State); and Duoye Siri (Bayelsa State) all of whom defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The President it would be recalled on March 18, 2025 Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months over political tension in the state.
Penpushing reports that Tinubu said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.
The President then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has now been appointed an ambassador, as the state’s administrator to oversee governance for period of six months, and later, Fubara resumed office and pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the state.
Penpushing further reports that Fubara, in a statewide broadcast, described the period (emergency rule) as enormously challenging but necessary to restore order and safeguard democratic institutions.
The Governor explained that he chose to abide by the declaration and to co-operate fully with Tinubu and the National Assembly, prioritising peace above personal or political gain.
“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that he pointed out that after the President brokered peace among contending parties, he, and Nyesom Wike (Federal Capital Territory Minister), and the Rivers State House of Assembly later resolved to bury the hatchet, stressing that the reconciliation was embraced in the best interest of Rivers’ people and for the progress of the state.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
