We Want Fubara, Rivers APC Chair Tells Nigerians 

By PHC Telegraph

As speculations over the political future of Governor Sim Fubara makes the rounds, especially against the backdrop of his recent engagement with President Bola Tinubu in the UK, the APC in Rivers State says it will have no hesitation in accepting his membership of the party.

Although Fubara who is reportedly waiting in the wings in anticipation of his recall to office has said nothing about his political direction, there are very strong rumours that the governor may head for the APC.

Those peddling the rumour are linking him with a group of PDP governors like the Delta State Governor as well as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State who believe that the interest of their States and supporters could be served in the APC.

Somehow, the APC has indicated that it indeed has a serious interest in wooing the Rivers State Governor.

A report by The Punch reveals that the Rivers APC believes that the entry of Governor Fubara into its fold could improve its political fortune.

“Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” Chief Emeka Beke, State Chairman of the APC is quoted as saying through Chizzy Enyi, a top aide.

“As the governor of Rivers State, he automatically becomes the leader of the party at the state level. This would also allow the APC to play a key role in state programmes and functions,” he explained.

Beke further stated, “As an opposition party, we have what it takes to help the governor do better than what he is currently doing.

“But we have kept our suggestions as part of our ideology. 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.”

While the issue of Fubara’s defection remains on the front burner, and people register their reactions on social media and other popular news channels, there appears to be a common consensus that what matters most is the reinstatement of all democratic structures in the State.

“To us what matters is the restoration of democracy”, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, the Publisher of the Port Harcourt Telegraph which is set to return to the streets said.

“Democracy means self rule. The return of Fubara would mean the restoration of self rule and the restoration of Rivers democracy”, Nwuke told a radio station in Port Harcourt.

A member of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council and pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Anabs Sara-Igbe, had this to say on concerns over Fubara’s political future, “We are not interested in any party. What we want is Sim’s return. That is our interest.”

“We elected him as our governor. We don’t want anyone else coming to take our resources”, Sara Igbe who spoke to The Punch on telephone noted.

Sara Igbe known in political circles as the “Mafia Messenger” said the installation of the Sole Administrator, Ebok-Ete Ibas is unconstitutional, stressing that for the Rivers people the immediate return of their mandate should be the first thing on the table.

In the meantime, talks designed to end the protracted crisis in Rivers State are ongoing.

Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike seen as the two major political gladiators have met to discuss issues of interest.

But details of their conversation which is generating interest in various political circles have not been made public.

In a BBC interview, Wike said for the first time that the fight in Rivers State was not targeted at Fubara.

He said the battle had been waged against those who were reaping where they did not sow.

Wike’s explanation is believed to have given a vista of hope to campaigners for peace, especially among Rivers people who believe that since Fubara was put on suspension, nothing is working in the State.

Are peacemakers getting somewhere with the discussions that are reportedly taking place?

There are strong possibilities, Nwuke who spoke on “Inside Rivers State” a programme broadcast Tuesday on Family Love FM said.

Fubara’s media aide on electronic media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed that talks between the governor and Wike are going on.

He however gave no further details.

“They are talking”, Omatsogunwa said in an interview, “but the details are not clear. Everything you are hearing is still speculation. In time, we will know the full outcome.”