Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-03-12 09:47:51
The political crisis in Rivers state has taken a new turn as more grassroots politicians have decided to withdraw their support from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s camp and pledge their allegiance to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s government. This development comes on the heels of a similar move by a Rivers councillor who was expelled by the party leadership for supporting the sitting governor.
The coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a political arm of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, announced their decision to leave the initiative during a visit to Governor Fubara. The coordinators from the 12 local government areas, led by Collins Onunwo, who played a significant role in Wike’s election as governor, made their intentions clear.
The reasons behind the GDI’s decision to dump Wike were rooted in their desire to align with Governor Fubara for the greater good of the state. Onunwo emphasized that their focus was on the welfare of the people of Rivers state and their commitment to protecting democracy by safeguarding the mandate they had given to Fubara.
The move to withdraw support from Wike’s camp and back Fubara’s government was a significant blow to the former minister’s stronghold in the state. The decision by the GDI coordinators mirrored the actions of the councillor representing Wike’s ward in the Obio/Akpor legislative council, who also resigned and declared his support for Fubara.
The Rivers PDP took swift action to expel the former councillor, signaling a clear division within the party’s ranks. The expulsion and defection highlighted the deepening crisis within the ruling party in the state.
Governor Fubara, reflecting on the tumultuous events during the impeachment saga, acknowledged the potential for a crisis if he had utilized all his powers as governor. He expressed his concern for the people of Rivers state and emphasized that their well-being was paramount, even amid the political turmoil.
The developments in Rivers state have underscored the ongoing power struggles within the ruling party and the shifting allegiances among grassroots politicians. The divisions within the PDP have raised questions about the party’s ability to maintain unity and focus on serving the interests of the people.
As the crisis continues to unfold in Rivers state, the political landscape remains volatile, with uncertainties about the future of the ruling party and the governance of the state. The defections and expulsions within the PDP have exposed the fissures within the party and the challenges facing Governor Fubara as he navigates the turbulent political waters in the state.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
