PDP govs meet over Fubara as Tompolo assures of his return

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Ibadan for a two-day meeting to address pressing internal issues, including the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The meeting, which ends today, also covers disputes in the party’s South-South region, the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and a pending Supreme Court suit challenging the emergency declaration.

In a related development, ex-leader of MEND, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), during his 54th birthday in Gbaramatu, broke his silence on the crisis, declaring that Fubara would return to his position. He expressed unwavering support for the Ijaw Nation and urged continued support for President Tinubu, dismissing suggestions of betrayal.

Simultaneously, former House of Reps member Dr. Farah Dagogo has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd), the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State. Dagogo’s suit challenges the legality of Fubara’s suspension and the imposition of a sole administrator. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has set May 12, 2025, for the case hearing, with substituted service granted for the defendants.

Meanwhile, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned the removal and destruction of Governor Fubara’s billboards and portraits across Rivers State. INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the acts as “barbaric” and politically motivated. He criticized the Federal Government for allegedly using provocation tactics to justify maintaining the state of emergency and called on Ibas to dismantle the 23 LGA administrator appointments, calling them illegal.