Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
At the meeting, Fubara confirmed to political leaders and selected groups that he had joined the APC.
He said that his decision followed consultation with President Bola Tinubu on Monday and described it as a strategic step to avoid “mistakes” and safeguard state stability.
His move he added was also motivated by the need for a more stable political environment I’m the state to enable his administration function seamlessly.
According to him, persistent internal conflicts had slowed governance, adding that it is time to concentrate on the real work which brought his administration to power.
His words: “I went to see Mr President not for a personal visit but for a state‑interest consultation,” stressing that the President had taken note of the situation in Rivers State and would act soon.
“We have the full support and a positive nod to leave where we are.
”We didn’t get any protection where we were, and the reason we are still standing today is because of that new place.”
He coemded Tinubu for his leadership qualities
“Without Mr President, there wouldn’t be any His Excellency Siminalayi. It would have been a former governor.”
Justifying his defection to the APC, he said, “We cannot support Mr President in isolation. We cannot give him backyard support. This evening, we are moving to the APC,.
He told his supporters that the formal defection processes would commence immediately. “I have not let you down before, and I will not let you down now”, he assured.
Last week, 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the FCT minister including the Speaker, Martins Amaehwule defected from the PDP to the APC, and resolved to go on recess till January, barely two months after resuming from a State of Emergency.
The lawmakers’ defection to APC, came less than 24 hours after the Assembly passed vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, endorsing him for second term in office.
