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Fubara withdraws from APC governorship primary, pledges support for whoever emerges candidate
The governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state.
He disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, while pledging support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.
Stressing on the need for peace, stability and unity in the state, Fubara thanked supporters for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey, who gave their time, resources, prayers and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude.
“I understand the disappointment, the anger and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain,” he stated.
Fubara noted that his silence in recent times was strategic, born out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” the governor stated.
“It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he added.
Appreciating the party for providing him a platform, he said: “I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process.”
He further appreciated President Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
The governor also called on party members to remain steadfast and united in support of the party.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together,” he admonished.
He emphasized that his decision to step aside should not be interpreted as an act of weakness, fear or surrender, but as a necessary sacrifice to maintain peace, unity and stability in the state.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State governorship election not out of weakness, fear or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice, so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he said.
The governor further reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State until the completion of his tenure in office.
Fubara had been involved in a political feud with his predecessor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike.
The political rifts over control of political structures in the state led to Fubara’a near impeachment by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The situation which resulted in chaos in Rivers State led to the declaration of a state of emergency by Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu and the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the legislators, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as sole administrator of the state for 6 months.
With the expiration of his 6-month suspension, Fubara was reinstated, with president Tinubu reported to have brokered a peace deal between the warring factions, and with certain terms and conditions expected to be met by each party.
