In a significant political realignment, two top officials of the Rivers State Government have officially switched their allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This move consolidates the party's influence in the oil-rich state following Governor Siminalayi Fubara's own recent defection.
High-Profile Defections Shake Rivers Political Landscape
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, have formally registered as members of the APC. Dr. Odu completed her registration at Ward 8, Unit 11, in Akabuka town, located within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA). Her defection occurred shortly after Governor Fubara himself joined the ruling party, signaling a coordinated shift in the state's political leadership.
Similarly, Dr. Anabraba registered his membership on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ward 1, Unit 1, Bob-Manuel’s Compound, in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area. After the registration, the SSG stated that the exercise formally affirmed his APC membership and would enable his full participation in party activities.
Aligning with State and Federal Agendas
Dr. Anabraba emphasized that his move was designed to strengthen his support for both Governor Fubara's "Rivers First" agenda and President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda." He expressed optimism that this enhanced synergy between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government would yield greater dividends for the people of the state.
Prior to his registration, Dr. Anabraba had formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) via a letter. In it, he described his decision to leave as personal, appreciated the opportunities gained while in the PDP, and wished the party well.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ngozi Odu has called on her supporters to rally behind President Tinubu and Governor Fubara. She stressed the critical need to strengthen the APC's grassroots presence across the state in preparation for future elections.
Governor Fubara Charges New Appointees
This political development follows closely on the heels of Governor Fubara's recent appointment of five new Special Advisers. On Friday, January 2, 2025, the governor administered the oath of office to the appointees at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The newly sworn-in advisers are:
- Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi
- Prof. Peter Medee
- Emmanuel Frank Fubara
- Victor Ekaro
- Dr. Darlington Orji
Governor Fubara charged them to brace up for the task ahead, clarifying that their appointments were aimed at strengthening teamwork within the government and ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of governance. He described the appointees as familiar faces who understand his administration's philosophy, having previously worked with him in various capacities.
"What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state," the governor stated. He warned against complacency, noting that effective governance requires collective effort, discipline, and shared responsibility.
Consolidation of Power and Future Implications
The defection of the deputy governor and the SSG to the APC marks a pivotal moment in Rivers State politics. It represents a consolidation of Governor Fubara's political structure under the banner of the ruling national party. This realignment is expected to:
- Solidify the APC's control in Rivers State.
- Foster closer ties between the state and the federal government.
- Potentially reshape the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The combined message from the officials focuses on unity, support for the president's national agenda, and a commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State. As the machinery of government is reinforced with new advisers, the political shift underscores a strategic move to ensure stability and a unified direction for the state's administration.
