The Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okechukwu Osuoha, has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to remain loyal to the party as he prepares to return to office at the end of the emergency rule.
Osuoha who spoke in an interview with Vanguard said Fubara’s reinstatement should be marked by accountability, loyalty to the PDP, and renewed efforts to restore peace and stability to the oil-rich state.
Remember that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended after a state of emergency was declared by President Bola Tinubu in March.
Osuoha said, “The issue is that there was an emergency declaration by the President, constitutionally, which is allowed. He has to come back to office because the suspension was for six months, and there has been no extension. Therefore, he must return and assume his role as executive governor of Rivers State.”
While acknowledging controversies surrounding the legality of suspending an elected governor under emergency rule, Osuoha stressed that Fubara’s return should usher in reconciliation and development.
He said, “Every Nigerian expects a cordial relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of Rivers State, between the governor and the House of Assembly.”
He further urged Fubara to mend fences with his political benefactors, stating, “Let there also be a good relationship between him and his godfather, whoever made it possible for him to secure that position. There must be peace and unity in the state so that development can take place because Rivers has suffered a lot.”
The PDP deputy legal adviser also called on Fubara to actively engage in party affairs, emphasising the party’s supremacy in Nigeria’s political system.
“He is still a member of the PDP and should participate fully in party affairs. Party is supreme. If you have any problem, the party will come to your rescue and support you. I want to see him participating fully in PDP so Nigerians will know he belongs to the party,” he advised.
This move comes as the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly invited Fubara to join its fold ahead of his planned reinstatement ceremony.
The call was made by the reinstated Rivers APC spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
