Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have voiced their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State in his ongoing dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
This renewed backing follows a contentious party congress where Fubara was marginalized. During a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Friday, August 23, the governors called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reconsider the congress proceedings and restore Fubara’s position within the party leadership.
A communiqué issued after the meeting stated:
“The Forum acknowledges the political impasse in Rivers State, where court judgments have been used to influence the outcomes of party congresses.
The PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirms its support for the Governor of Rivers State and will work with the NWC to correct these irregularities and ensure that His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara takes his rightful place in the party leadership in the state.”
Addressing the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, the governors criticized the President for comments that appeared to favor his own party and condemned the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters by the Nigeria Police. They called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure proper conduct among his officers.
They also urged President Tinubu to “act with statesmanship by preventing his officials from engaging in blame games that tarnish the reputation of sub-national governments through superficial measures that do not address the core issues.”
“We remain committed to supporting the struggling Nigerian masses and will take all lawful measures to alleviate their hardships,” the governors concluded.
The PDP state leaders expressed concern over the federal government’s failure to differentiate between its own revenue and the revenue belonging to the federation, which should be allocated in line with current laws.