The political standoff between former Rivers State Governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has reached a boiling point as both camps vie for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The conflict escalated following a January 13 ruling by Justice Stephen Jumbo of the Port Harcourt High Court.
The court restrained the state, local government, and ward executive committees led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, a loyalist of Wike, from performing their functions.
The verdict provided Governor Fubara’s faction an opportunity to challenge Wike’s long-standing dominance in the party.
In a swift response, Robinson Ewor, PDP Chairman for the Rivers West Senatorial District and a staunch Fubara ally, declared himself the acting state chairman.
He also announced the formation of caretaker committees at all levels of the party.
This move sent shockwaves through Wike’s camp, prompting them to occupy the PDP secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, to prevent a takeover.
The area was secured by police, while prominent members of Wike’s faction, including Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, visited Chukwuemeka to show their support.
Chukwuemeka dismissed Ewor’s claims, asserting that his committee remains the legitimate PDP leadership in Rivers State.
Speaking at a press briefing, he accused Fubara’s camp of attempting to destabilize the party and announced plans to appeal the court ruling.
“We want peace in Rivers State and cannot allow endless litigation to disrupt our party,” Chukwuemeka stated. “Whatever judgment they have obtained, we will appeal it. We are committed to following due process to ensure stability and order.”
Chukwuemeka also called on Governor Fubara to prioritize peace, urging him to refrain from actions that could fuel further discord.
“This office remains ours, and we have taken possession of it. We will not be intimidated by anyone seeking to undermine our leadership,” he added.
The escalating power tussle between Wike and Fubara has thrown the Rivers PDP into turmoil, raising concerns about the party’s stability and its future direction in the state.
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