PDP Governors Firmly Defend President Tinubu's Role in Rivers State Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has strongly defended their recent commendation of President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in resolving the Rivers State political crisis, denouncing criticisms of their actions as hypocritical and misplaced. The Forum, in a statement released by its Director General, Cyril Maduabum, rebuffed claims that the PDP Governors Forum, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, marginalized the party in mediating the dispute between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Addressing media reports alleging a rift caused by Mohammed’s acknowledgment of President Tinubu's role, the Governor clarified that it was Abdul-Rahwan Abdul-Razaq, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, who, along with all 36 governors’ support, informed President Tinubu about the Rivers State situation. The PDP Governors’ Forum Chair stressed that Fubara, a member of both the NGF and Vice-Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, endorsed President Tinubu's intervention.

The Forum deemed criticisms of their gratitude towards the President's involvement in the crisis as disingenuous, highlighting the national security implications and the potential for widespread disorder in Rivers State. They emphasized that President Tinubu's intervention, considering his position as the nation's security head, was crucial to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The PDP Governors stressed the significant impact of the Rivers State situation on the entire nation, particularly due to its status as a major oil-producing state. They applauded Governor Mohammed's swift action in convening an emergency Forum meeting to address the crisis, underscoring the need for peace and the Forum's willingness to assist in resolving the issues at hand.

The Forum dismissed claims that their actions intended to undermine the PDP, asserting that prioritizing peace and security should transcend political differences. They emphasized that expressing gratitude to the President for resolving the crisis did not signify allegiance shift or a compromise of the opposition’s stance.

Governor Bala Mohammed's proactive engagements in shuttle diplomacy to counsel stakeholders involved in the crisis further exemplified the Forum's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. The Forum concluded that the situation in Rivers State was not exclusive to the PDP but had broader implications, necessitating a unified approach beyond political affiliations.