Rivers State Crisis: PDP Governors Meet Amidst Fubara's Suspension
A dramatic development has unfolded in Nigeria's political landscape as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors converge on Ibadan, Oyo State capital, for a crucial two-day meeting. The gathering, which commenced yesterday and concludes today, aims to address pressing issues affecting the party, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to Debo Ologunagba, PDP's National Publicity Secretary, the meeting's agenda includes deliberating on the Supreme Court judgment on the National Secretary, the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, the South-South zonal leadership crisis, the state of emergency in Rivers State, and the leadership crisis within the National Working Committee. The governors will also discuss their suit against the Federal Government at the Supreme Court, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and Fubara's suspension.
In a related development, former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, has assured that Governor Fubara will return to his post. Speaking at his 54th birthday celebration in Gbaramatu, Tompolo emphasized that the Ijaw people will never be conquered and hinted at potential consequences if their demands are not met. While urging support for President Bola Tinubu's administration, Tompolo expressed confidence that the president will bring benefits to the Ijaw nation.
Meanwhile, a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has filed a lawsuit against President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Rivers State's Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd) over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an order for substituted services and fixed May 12, 2025, for hearing.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned the destruction of billboards carrying Governor Fubara's picture in some parts of Rivers State, describing the act as barbaric and a calculated plot to provoke violence. INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba urged the Sole Administrator to sack all appointed administrators overseeing local government areas, citing the illegality of their appointments.
The developments surrounding Rivers State have significant implications for the PDP and Nigeria's political landscape. The party's governors' meeting in Ibadan marks a critical moment in determining the party's stance on the Rivers State crisis. Tompolo's assurance of Fubara's return to office adds another layer of complexity to the situation, while the court action and INC's outrage highlight the contentious nature of the state of emergency declaration.
As the PDP governors conclude their meeting in Ibadan, the fate of Rivers State and the party's future hang in the balance. Will the party be able to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries, or will the crisis in Rivers State further fracture the PDP? One thing is certain: the outcome of this meeting and the subsequent court hearing will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria's politics.
The key players involved include Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State; Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), former MEND leader and Fubara's ally; Dr. Farah Dagogo, former member of the House of Representatives and plaintiff in the court case; President Bola Tinubu; Godswill Akpabio, Senate President; and Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The timeline of events includes the declaration of a state of emergency, Fubara's suspension, the PDP governors' meeting, Tompolo's assurance, the court action, and INC's outrage.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the outcome will have significant implications for Nigeria's politics and the PDP's future. Will the party be able to navigate this complex crisis, or will it further fracture the party? Only time will tell.
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