Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have met the Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, behind closed doors in Port Harcourt following the ongoing crisis rocking the party in the state.
It was gathered that the high-powered delegation led by the PDP National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, met with the governor on Wednesday night.
The same delegation was said to have visited the Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed; Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri; and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
Though details of their secret discussions with the governor, were not disclosed, Mohammed, who led the delegation was quoted to have said after the meeting that the NWC came to reaffirm Fubara as the leader of the party in the state.
He said a sitting governor as the PDP leader in any state had been the ancient tradition of the party since its formation insisting that the case of Rivers would not be the same.
Mohammed further noted that PDP would continue to respect the rule of law and that the NWC completely accepted the judgement of the Appeal Court that recognized Udeh Okoye as the PDP National Secretary.
He described the judgment as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and an indication of the party’s commitment to obeying judicial decisions.
Mohammed said the PDP had not received any court order staying the execution of the Appeal Court verdict.
He said the PDP has also accepted the Rivers State High Court judgment, that set aside the party congresses in wards, local government and state level.
Mohammed explained that the visit was part of its consultative engagements with leaders, organs and governors of the party across the country.
He said the consultations were designed to strengthen collaboration and partnership between the national and state leadership structures of the PDP in the interest of party unity and internal cohesion.
He said it would also help to reposition the PDP for the tasks ahead in the coming months and years in preparation for the upcoming elections.
Mohammed was said to have praised Fubara for his commitment to peace, unity, good governance, and scored the governor high on infrastructural development and investments especially in promoting the Rivers First agenda.
He said: “The essence of this visit is to assure Nigerians that the PDP, from Rivers State to the national level, is united and working together. We accept the Court of Appeal judgment affirming Udeh Okoye as the PDP National Secretary, and we believe this strengthens our resolve to maintain internal harmony and uphold democratic values within the party.
“The Governor of Rivers State is the leader of the PDP in the State, and we came to visit our leader to reassure him of our unwavering support. We are 100 per cent with him, and urge him to continue making the PDP stronger and delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State.
“We urge the people of Rivers State to work with Governor Fubara, identify with him, and support him in his mission to deliver good governance. With his leadership, the PDP will not only remain strong in Rivers State but will also serve as a beacon of hope for Nigerians across the country.”
Mohammed called on residents of the state to support the governor’s policies and programmes and work with him to achieve the state’s developmental goals.
