Rivers APC Celebrates Presidential Endorsement of Governor Fubara as State Party Leader
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of Emeka Beke, has expressed strong approval for what it terms a definitive presidential affirmation of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the legitimate leader of the party within the state. This development, according to the party, validates its longstanding stance amidst ongoing internal disputes and factional disagreements that have plagued the APC in Rivers.
Presidential Clarification and Constitutional Alignment
In an official press release issued on Friday and signed by the party's spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the Rivers APC extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for reiterating the party's established constitutional convention. This convention explicitly acknowledges sitting APC governors as the de facto leaders of the party in their respective states, a principle that the party argues is fundamental to organizational structure and discipline.
The statement specifically referenced remarks attributed to Mr. Daniel Bwala, the President's Special Adviser on Policy Communication, which provided the necessary clarity on this contentious issue. According to the Rivers APC, this presidential clarification is fully in sync with the policy direction championed by the APC's national leadership, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator (Dr) Ajibola Basiru.
Strengthening Party Cohesion and Correcting Narratives
The Rivers APC emphasized that this reaffirmation serves to bolster internal party cohesion by empowering governors to spearhead mobilization efforts, foster unity, and enhance organizational efficiency at the state level. "This timely reaffirmation justifies the position of Rivers State APC on the status of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as leader of our party in Rivers State," the statement declared.
It further asserted that this clarification should effectively dispel what it described as false or misleading narratives allegedly propagated by "political jobbers" seeking to undermine the party's stability and leadership hierarchy.
Criticism of National Party Officials and Call for Action
However, the Rivers APC seized the opportunity to issue a stern rebuke of comments reportedly made by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, concerning the ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Governor Fubara and his deputy. The state chapter argued that Morka's opinions directly contradict the "essence of party membership" and demonstrate a failure to safeguard the organizational interests of the APC.
In unusually forceful language, the Rivers APC suggested that Mr. Morka should consider resigning from his position as National Publicity Secretary, accusing him of inadequately fulfilling his role as the party's chief image maker and defender of its core objectives and principles.
Legal References and Calls for Organizational Reform
The statement also drew attention to what it termed subsisting court judgments pertaining to the leadership of the APC in Rivers State, specifically citing Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and Suit No. PHC/3859/CS/2024. The Rivers APC urged the national leadership to promptly organize congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels to elect new party executives and harmonize the competing interests within the party's ranks.
Path Forward: Reconciliation and Stakeholder Engagement
As a proactive measure toward reconciliation and strategic direction-setting, the Rivers APC called upon Governor Fubara, in his capacity as the recognized leader of the party in the state, to convene a comprehensive stakeholders' meeting. According to the party, such a gathering is essential to charting a clear and unified path forward, particularly in light of the heightened political tensions currently affecting Rivers State.
The party's statement underscores a concerted effort to consolidate authority under Governor Fubara's leadership while addressing internal dissent and aligning with national party directives to ensure long-term stability and effectiveness.
