BOT Reveals Why They Visited Gov Fubara

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the party, dispelling rumors of potential defection. During a visit from the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, discussions focused on resolving internal party crises.

The visit highlighted the critical role of Rivers State in the future of PDP, with some party elders like Chief Edwin Clark suggesting that former Governor Nyesom Wike’s influence is detrimental to the party’s survival. However, opinions are divided, with others viewing Wike’s past leadership positively. The situation underscores the internal conflicts within PDP, with warnings that losing control of Rivers State could lead to the party’s downfall.

The latest on the situation involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State hosting the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) amid a party crisis, as of August 21, 2024, indicates:

• Reaffirmation of Loyalty: Governor Fubara has publicly dispelled rumors of his departure from the PDP, asserting his loyalty to the party. He emphasized that he remains an “undiluted member” of the PDP, directly addressing speculations about his potential defection to another party, like the APC.
• Visit by PDP BoT: The PDP’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, visited Governor Fubara in Port Harcourt. This visit was aimed at addressing the internal tensions within the party, particularly in Rivers State, where there’s been significant political strife involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
• Peace and Unity Efforts: The BoT’s visit was part of an effort to foster peace and unity within the PDP. Wabara and other BoT members, including notable figures like Chief Bode George and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, engaged with Fubara to understand the situation better and to ensure that the PDP remains united, especially with the 2027 elections in view.
• Political Implications: There’s an underlying concern that losing Rivers State could have broader implications for the PDP’s future, with some sentiments suggesting that Nigeria’s political landscape could be significantly affected if the PDP loses its stronghold in Rivers.
• Public Statements: Fubara’s statements during the visit were seen as a move to reassure party members and the public of his commitment to the PDP, countering the narrative of his defection which had been circulating.
• Media Coverage: Various news outlets and social media posts have covered this event, with a mix of direct quotes from Fubara and analyses suggesting that this visit might be a critical step towards resolving the ongoing political crisis within the PDP in Rivers State.

This situation reflects ongoing efforts by the PDP leadership to manage internal conflicts, maintain party cohesion, and address public speculation regarding the political alignments of key figures like Governor Fubara.