PDP Urges Fubara to Remain Loyal, Probe Rivers’ Six-Month Emergency Rule

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to return to office, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on him to remain steadfast with the party, reject overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and probe the management of Rivers State during the six-month emergency rule.

In separate interviews with Vanguard, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, outlined the party’s expectations of Fubara’s comeback, stressing accountability, loyalty, and reconciliation as crucial for restoring peace and stability in the oil-rich state.

Osuoha explained that the governor’s suspension was constitutionally tied to the emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, aimed at averting a breakdown of law and order.

“With the expiration of the six-month period, the governor is expected to resume his duties without delay,” Osuoha stated. “The suspension was temporary and has not been extended, therefore he must return and assume his role as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.”

While acknowledging concerns over the legality of suspending an elected governor under emergency rule, Osuoha emphasised that Fubara’s return should mark the beginning of reconciliation and development.

“Every Nigerian expects a cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, and between the governor and the House of Assembly. There must also be peace with his political benefactors. Only then can Rivers move forward, because the state has suffered enough,” he noted.

Osuoha further urged Fubara to recommit to party affairs. “He is still a member of the PDP and should participate more fully in party activities. Party is supreme. If he has challenges, the PDP will stand by him. He must show Nigerians he belongs firmly to the party,” he advised.

On his part, Osadolor issued a stronger warning, urging the governor to resist alleged pressures to defect to the APC and instead prioritise accountability.

“The Rivers people will heave a sigh of relief that the illegality wrought upon them will finally be addressed,” Osadolor said. “The governor must interrogate the six months Admiral Ibas spent in office, appropriating and misappropriating the resources of the Rivers people. Wrongdoing, if uncovered, must be punished. Admiral Ibas was not elected and has no immunity.”

He also warned Fubara against political enticements from the APC.

“When they invite him, are they promising him the 2027 ticket? These vague offers are designed to bury him politically. Any attempt to defect will legitimise his suspension and end his political career,” he cautioned.

Osadolor stressed that Fubara must publicly reaffirm his mandate and remain loyal to the PDP.

“He must have the courage to tell the Rivers people he will not defect.

If he has future aspirations, let him put them before the people, but for now, he must stay rooted in their trust and deliver quality governance through this trial,” he concluded.