Pressure Mounts on Governor Fubara to Leave PDP Amid Rivers Crisis
The political turmoil in Rivers State took a new turn on Thursday with the Appeal Court in Abuja providing a measure of relief to Martins Amaewhule and his group of 26 Assembly members. The judgment sparked celebrations among supporters of former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, giving him an advantage over Governor Siminalayi Fubara in their ongoing political struggle. Wike’s followers were seen celebrating across the state, interpreting the judgment as a victory. The ruling has further intensified the political tension in Rivers.
The Appeal Court ruled that the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt lacked the jurisdiction to decide on the validity of the defection by Amaewhule and his colleagues. In response, the G-60 Federal Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the National Assembly argued that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers remain sacked, as the Appeal Court did not rule on the legality of their defection or the declaration of their seats as vacant. Coalition spokesperson Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere stated that the Appeal Court only affirmed that the Federal High Court had the proper jurisdiction to decide on the matter.
Meanwhile, Chief Tony Okocha, caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Rivers, hailed the judgment as just, describing the reasoning of the Appeal Court as sound and unimpeachable.
**Calls for Fubara to Exit PDP**
Amid the ongoing crisis, some supporters of Governor Fubara have suggested that he defect from the PDP due to the lack of support from the party’s leadership at both state and national levels. Political commentator Franklin Ntekim noted that the national leadership’s neglect of the Governor indicates a lack of support, suggesting that the FCT Minister has taken control of the party in the state, making it hostile to Fubara. He criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not visiting Fubara amid his struggles, indicating a party that does not support its members.
Human rights activist Solomon Lenu also supported the call for Fubara to leave the PDP, arguing that he would not be able to win any elections if he remained in the party. Lenu suggested that the Governor look elsewhere to save his political career, mentioning the SDP or Accord party as potential alternatives, while advising against the Labor Party due to its national leadership’s alignment with powerful forces in Abuja.
In April, 60 PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives demanded the resignation of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for failing to address the political crisis in Rivers. Led by PDP member Ikenga Ugochinyere, they accused Damagum of siding with Wike and working for the APC, which appointed Wike as FCT Minister.
**Responses to Defection Calls**
Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, director general of Governor Fubara’s grassroots political group, Simplified Movement, stated that the governor is the leader of the PDP in Rivers and will guide their direction. Bipi considered the Appeal Court judgment fair and noted that the High Court in Port Harcourt lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, leader of the pan-Niger Delta Elders forum, PANDEF, argued that it is too early to agitate for the governor to leave the PDP, suggesting that the governor could leave if he feels uncomfortable with the party, but the situation should be observed until 2027.
The Rivers State Chairman of the Labor Party, Hilda Dokubo, stated that their doors are open if Governor Fubara chooses to join them, emphasizing that it is his right to decide where he wants to go.
**Governor Fubara Criticizes PDP**
Governor Fubara recently criticized the PDP for failing the people of Rivers State, stating that the party leadership had not fulfilled its expected role since the political crisis began. He declared that they are now focusing on a movement rather than the party, standing firmly on the soil of Rivers State to defend democracy.
