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Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fubara announced his defection yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, a day after he met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
On Monday, Fubara was at the State House at about 5:01pm and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office.
The engagements came amid mounting political tension in Rivers State and renewed speculation over his future in the crisis-ridden PDP.
Governor Fubara said he joined the APC as a “gesture of reciprocity” for the consistent support, cooperation, and encouragement his administration has received from President Bola Tinubu since the political crisis that rocked the state in late 2023.
“We can’t support Mr President if we don’t fully identify with him; not backyard support.
“So, we have taken that decision today since we have gotten a pass. Everyone here, who followed and suffered with me, our decision today is that]we are moving to APC.”
With the defection, the PDP now has six governors with Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau planning to join the APC.
Recently 15 members of the state House of Assembly, including Martin Awaewhule, the speaker, joined the APC.
Meanwhile, the state government has 10 strategic projects completed by the Siminalayi Fubara-led administration ready for inauguration.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, disclosed this at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Anabraba said that the projects, which span several local government areas, aimed at improving the lives of the people. He listed the projects to include the extension of dualisation of Ahoada-Omoku Road, Egbeda-Omerelu link-road, and Ikwerre Road-Igwuruta-Airport.
Others are Obodhi-Ozochi Road and bridge, Ogbakiri Junction-Ogbakiri Waterfront Road, Ahoada Zonal Hospital, Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters and Federal High Court Complex. The SSG said that the inauguration would happen from Dec. 10 to December 23.
He said that the Ipo Town-Airport Road Bypass would also be commissioned for rehabilitation during the period.
According to him, the projects reflect Fubara’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to Rivers people.
He further said that his administration remained dedicated to maintaining peace and promoting socio-economic growth in the state.
He gave assurance that the State Government prioritised the security of lives and property of the residents and urged them to follow the path of peace.
