The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has publicly declared its willingness to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara into its fold, should he decide to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This overture comes amidst intense speculation that Fubara might be considering a cross-party move as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the political crisis gripping the state.
Chief Emeka Beke, the reinstated Rivers APC Chairman, speaking through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, emphasized the mutual benefits such a defection would bring. “Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” Beke stated. He highlighted the potential for increased leverage and visibility for the APC in state governance, noting that a governor from the ruling party often facilitates smoother operations and better access to funding.
Beke further hinted at the APC’s readiness to offer governance guidance to Fubara, a move previously withheld as an opposition party. “As an opposition party, we have what it takes to help the governor do better than what he is currently doing… If the governor joins us, we’ll open our hearts to him and offer input on how to improve the lives of Rivers people and others residing in the state,” he explained.
However, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from the political maneuvering, with member Anabs Sara-Igbe stressing that their primary concern remains Governor Fubara’s return to office. Sara-Igbe dismissed the defection rumors as irrelevant, stating, “Rivers people are not interested in that now. We are not interested in any party. What we want is Sim’s return. That is our interest.” He also criticized the continued stay of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator, deeming the appointment unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed that reconciliation talks between the governor and his estranged political mentor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, are indeed ongoing. However, he remained tight-lipped on specifics, stating, “They are talking, but the details are not clear. Everything you are hearing is still speculation. In time, we will know the full outcome.” Regarding the defection rumors, Omatsogunwa simply said, “We have not heard anything about that for now.”
As the political chessboard in Rivers State continues to shift, all eyes remain on Governor Fubara’s next move and the potential implications for the state’s political landscape.
