As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to return to office, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged him to remain loyal to the party, reject attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to woo him, and investigate how Rivers State was managed during the six months he was suspended under emergency rule.
PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha, and PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said Fubara’s comeback must be marked by accountability, loyalty to the PDP, and efforts to restore peace and stability to the oil-rich state.
Osuoha explained that Fubara’s suspension was constitutionally tied to a state of emergency declared by the President to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
“The issue is that there was an emergency declaration by the President, constitutionally, which is allowed,” Osuoha said.
He added that with the expiration of the six-month period, the Governor is expected to resume his duties without delay.
“So that means he has to come back to office because the suspension was for six months, and there has been no extension. Therefore, he must return and assume his role as the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Osuoha stated.
The PDP’s legal adviser acknowledged the controversies surrounding the legality of suspending an elected governor under emergency rule, but stressed that Fubara’s return should usher in reconciliation and development.
“Every Nigerian expects a cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State, between the Governor and the House of Assembly.
“Let there also be a good relationship between him and his godfather, whoever made it possible for him to secure that position. There must be peace and unity in the state so that development can take place because Rivers has suffered a lot.”
