Fubara loyalist collapses Rivers PDP faction into Wike’s camp

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike regained total control of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Friday as Nname Ewor, the chairman of the faction of the party loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara surrendered the faction to him.

Ewor announced the dissolution of his faction of PDP into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led committee supported by Wike during the Minister’s “thank you” visit to Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area (LGA) on Friday.

Ewor, formerly loyal to Gov. Fubara had accused the Rivers governor of failure to keep to agreements he reached with Wike and others to solve the political crisis in the state.

“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee. PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers,” Ewor said.

Recall that Fubara had some weeks ago defected from the PDP to APC.

However, while hailing Wike’s leadership, Ewor said he left the Fubara camp because the governor could not be trusted.

Ewor alleged that President Bola Tinubu mediated twice to resolve the political crisis in the, but Fubara failed to keep agreements.

“If the president mediated twice, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him,” Ewor added, refuting claims that Wike intimidated his leadership.

Earlier, ONELGA Local Government Chairman, Mr Chukwu Ogbogu, thanked Wike for development interventions and personal support during his tenure as governor, noting many locals benefitted from state and federal appointments.

Mrs Nkemjika Ezekwe (ONELGA II State Constituency), described Wike as a “women empowerment advocate”.

Ezekwe explained that Wike gave Rivers women voice and financial independence, pledging solidarity behind the minister.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, lauded Wike as a “divine project” and commended his bridge-building efforts across Rivers State.

Wike, in his remarks, Wike said any leader who is unable to maintain a working relationship with local government chairmen, members of the state House of Assembly, and other critical stakeholders cannot govern effectively.

He added that Rivers State could not afford to be led by a governor who fails to honour agreements

“We will do all we can to see that we give President Bola Tinubu all the total support that he requires.

“Money cannot solve this problem the governor has started. Tell the Rivers people what was discussed with the President. If you succeed with the first one that was resolved, you will not succeed with the second one.

“There cannot be two captains in one ship. So whoever is assuring you that when you shout on your mandate that all is well, then you are wrong.

“Someone who cannot relate with the Local Government Chairmen, state assembly members, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders cannot provide good leadership.”

He lauded the ONELGA people for their unity and strength, describing the LGA as a “no-go area” for Fubara supporters, emphasising support for Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Family initiative.

“We are not talking about party politics in Rivers but Renewed Hope Family for Tinubu, and we would do all we can to give him the needed support,” he said.

(NAN)