The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made an effort to prevent Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from defecting from the party.
It was reported that the PDP has sent a high-powered delegation to meet with him in Rivers State.
The delegation, comprising top party leaders, including the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi; elder statesman, Olabode George; and Senator Abdul Ningi, arrived in Port Harcourt on Tuesday to persuade Governor Fubara to remain in the PDP.
Recall that for months, speculation has been rife that Governor Fubara had left the PDP. To this, the governor had maintained silence on his next move, fueling further speculation.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara expressed doubts about his membership in the PDP but acknowledged that the visit by the BoT had reassured him of his recognition as a party member.
“But, so far, what is important this afternoon is that we are still members of the party, and the owners of the party have visited us.
“So, for those people outside who are carrying all sorts of rumour and propaganda, at least, this visit will put that propaganda to rest, and to tell the world that we are and we still remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he said.
The Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, revealed that the party was desperate to prevent losing Rivers State to the APC, citing the strong opposition presence in the state.
He said, “We were scared Sir, when we heard or read speculations, perceptions or what have you, that the party, if we are not careful, might lose Rivers State. Of course, if we loose Rivers State, Nigeria has lost its future,” he said.
“We don’t want what happened in 2015, and 2023 to repeat itself. These men and women you see here are very neutral. But as the conscience of the party, we must go by the rule of law. And anything you do, going by the rule of law, can never be wrong. It may be delayed, but it cannot be wrong.”
Wabara added, “I don’t want to describe it. Otherwise, as a Governor, we have former Governors here, I doubt if they would have taken as much as you have. So, on behalf of this party, once again, let me thank you for your resilience, your wisdom, and for the fact that you are still in this party.
“And to assure you that the Board of Trustees under my watch and with these serious minded Nigerians, will deal with the matter as constitutionally allowed.”
