Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reiterated their unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the recognised leader of the party in Rivers State, despite ongoing tensions with former Governor Nyesom Wike.
This development follows a prolonged dispute between Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and his one-time protégé, Governor Fubara, over control of the PDP’s leadership structure in the state.
Wike had issued a stern warning to PDP governors, threatening to disrupt their states if they continued backing Fubara in the leadership tussle.
However, the PDP Governors’ Forum has dismissed Wike’s threats, with its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, affirming that there would be no reversal of their decision to support Fubara.
Mohammed made the remarks while addressing journalists after a meeting with a delegation from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“The decision of the PDP Governors’ Forum to back Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the PDP in Rivers State stands,” Mohammed declared.
“Governor Fubara is the number one member of the PDP in the state, and he should be allowed to control the party’s structure.”
He added that the NWC delegation had fully endorsed the forum’s position, reaffirming their collective agreement for the rule of law to prevail in the matter. “The decision is in order, and that is how it should be.
The NWC has given their firm commitment to support the position of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Rivers State,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed acknowledged the tension between Wike and Fubara, noting the mentor-mentee relationship that once existed between the two.
He stressed that efforts were underway to reconcile the differences behind the scenes and foster unity within the party.
“We are working to bring both leaders together to resolve their differences in a way that aligns with the values of the PDP.
While it’s not something that can be dictated, we are determined to ensure the right thing is done,” he concluded.
The standoff between Wike and Fubara has sparked widespread debate within the PDP, as the party navigates internal challenges ahead of crucial upcoming elections.
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