The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has called on reinstated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain with the party and focus on delivering good governance.
President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara and members of the state assembly for six months amid a political crisis triggered by a power struggle between the governor and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator during the period.
On Wednesday, the president lifted the emergency rule and directed all elected officials to resume duty from Thursday.
Reacting, PDP Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), Hakeem Olalemi, urged Fubara to be courageous and committed to his mandate.
“The governor should not muster any fear, the deed has been done. He should continue strong and be faithful in doing what is expected of him as the governor of the state. Fubara must make Rivers great again,” Olalemi told NAN.
He advised the governor to strengthen the PDP rather than abandon it, stressing that the party must emerge stronger in Rivers and across the South-South.
Olalemi further appealed to political actors in the state to prioritise peace and the welfare of citizens.
“Our advice to the legislative and executive arms is to work together and in harmony for the betterment of the good people of Rivers. These are the people that voted them and their interest should supersede politics and politicking,” he said.
He also urged the 27 lawmakers who had pledged allegiance to the All Progressives Congress during the crisis to return to the PDP and contribute to rebuilding the party.
Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the assembly officially returned to office on Thursday following the lifting of the emergency rule.
