PDP Governors Reaffirm Support for Rivers State Governor Amid Internal Party Disputes

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has reiterated its unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, emphasising his rightful position within the party amid ongoing internal disputes.

The forum has vowed to engage with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to review the recently held congresses in Rivers State, aiming to address any anomalies and restore order within the party.

The PDP Governors’ Forum made its position clear in a communiqué released after its 4th regular monthly meeting, which took place at the Government House in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on Friday.

The statement, signed by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fubara, was presented by the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Governor Mohammed expressed concern over the political situation in Rivers State, where recent court judgments have influenced the outcomes of the party congresses, leading to a contentious atmosphere.

He stated, “The Forum notes the political impasse in Rivers State, where court judgments are employed to determine the outcome of the party congresses.”

The Governors’ Forum underscored its commitment to ensuring that Governor Fubara is allowed to assume his rightful leadership role within the party in Rivers State.

Mohammed added, “The PDP Governors’ Forum restates its support for the Governor of Rivers State and will engage the NWC of our great party to revisit the congress with a view to correcting the anomaly and allowing His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to take his rightful leadership position in the party in the State.”

Beyond the intra-party issues, the PDP Governors’ Forum also addressed broader national concerns, particularly in response to the recently concluded #EndBadGovernance protests, which sparked widespread unrest across the country.

The forum urged the Federal Government to move beyond blame games and focus on effective governance by addressing core policy issues that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Reflecting on the protests, the forum commended the efforts of the PDP Governors in managing the situation within their respective states, preventing it from escalating into a full-blown national crisis.

The communiqué noted, “The meeting deliberated on crucial intra-party and governance matters affecting our states, as well as those of overriding national interest and importance.

The Governors noted with a sigh of relief the end of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which was edging toward a major national crisis.

We salute the dexterity of the Governors, especially those of the PDP, in handling the situation in their respective states with maturity, thereby restraining hoodlums and other unscrupulous elements from hijacking the protests.”

The PDP Governors’ Forum also took the opportunity to reaffirm the inalienable rights of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, recognising it as a fundamental avenue for expressing genuine grievances.

The forum extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests and called for a fair and swift trial for those arrested during the unrest.

The communiqué continued with a critique of the Federal Government’s response to the protests and the broader socio-economic challenges facing the nation.

The forum criticised what it described as the government’s tendency to resort to blackmail rather than addressing the root causes of the issues raised by the protesters.

“The Forum laments that rather than undertake a review of macro-economic and social policies with a view to giving them a human face, the Federal Government has resorted to blackmail.

We call on Mr. President to show statesmanship by restraining his officials from blame games that make the sub-nationals look bad by mentioning piecemeal interventions that cannot solve the problem,” the communiqué stated.

In conclusion, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the suffering masses of Nigeria and pledged to continue taking all legitimate steps to alleviate their plight.

The forum’s strong stance on both intra-party issues and national governance highlights its resolve to address the challenges facing the country and its citizens.

As the PDP navigates through these turbulent times, the support for Governor Fubara and the call for a reassessment of the party’s internal processes signal a commitment to restoring unity and focus within the party, ensuring it remains a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.