I remain a genuine member of PDP, Fubara tells BoT

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says he is still a “genuine” member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fubara spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, on Tuesday when he received members of the PDP board of trustees (BoT) at the government house.

Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the board, led members of the BoT on the visit.

Fubara said the visit dispelled rumours of his membership of the party.

“I want to thank you for taking all the trouble to come to Rivers state to see the governor and the supporters of the party genuinely. We that are here are the undiluted members of the PDP,” the governor said.

“Today, I am happy that you are with us here to discuss the issue of Rivers state and I want to assure members of our party, genuine members of the PDP that are here with us, that this is another hope to show that standing by the party is not a wrong decision.

“This visit is for one purpose: what is the problem, how did it start, or would I say what led to it and how did it degenerate to what it is today?

“I would prefer that when we go to the executive session, I will then discuss it.

“I am very conscious of the importance of information. I know that a lot of information is flying here and there, but I know that whatever I have said anywhere, I will still maintain it.

“What I have said in Abuja is the same thing I say in Port Harcourt.

“So, for those people outside who are carrying all sorts of rumours and propaganda, at least this visit will put to rest those propaganda and to tell the world that we are and still remain members of the PDP.”

Speaking during the meeting, Wabara said the leadership of the party has been worried about the position of the PDP in Rivers, adding that the visit was to strengthen peace and unity.

“We, the board of this party, came here in search of peace and unity for the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

“We have been reading all kinds of things on the pages of newspapers and on the internet for those who are internet savvy. But we, as the elders of this party, decided to come and hear from the horse’s mouth.

“First of all, we want to thank you for still being there because this party should not be allowed to die.

“And for that very reason, I am thanking you on behalf of my colleagues, and as you can see, it is not from one geopolitical zone. We are well-represented nationally.

“We were scared when we read or heard speculations, perceptions, and what have you, that the party, if we are not careful, might lose Rivers state, and of course, if we lose Rivers state, then Nigeria has lost the future.

“We don’t want what happened in 2015 and 2023 to repeat itself.

“These men and women you see here are very neutral, but as the conscience of the party, we must go by the rule of law, and anything you do going by the rule of law can never be wrong. It may be delayed, but it can never be wrong.

“We know you are caring for this party, and that is why you have been so patient all along to take all the invectives; otherwise, as a governor, we have former governors here; I doubt if they would have taken that much.”

Wabara assured Fubara that he would ensure that all issues are “constitutionally” dealt with.