Fubara defects to APC, gives reasons for leaving PDP

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally announced his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fubara made the declaration while briefing his supporters on the outcome of his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

He explained that without President Tinubu’s support, he would no longer have remained governor and therefore decided to join his party, the APC, to secure continued backing for his administration.

He said, “You’re aware I went to Mr President yesterday (Monday). And the reason I went to that visit is not just a personal visit. It is the state interest I went for.

“I don’t want to make any mistakes this time around. I wish not to step on any like mind. So, I was with Mr President yesterday (Monday).

“I briefed him on the situation of things in our state, which I believe he has taken note and he is going to act swiftly on it.

“But the most interesting part of the meeting is that what you all have been waiting for, what you have been asking me, this signal has finally arrived. We have the full support.”

Governor Fubara stressed, “Without Mr President, there won’t be His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara. He would have been a former governor.

“So, we have every reason because of the truth; let no one be fooled in this state again. We have the people, we have the supporters, and we have the numbers.

“Our own thank you to Mr President is to support him. And we cannot support Mr President in isolation. And we can’t support Mr President if we don’t fully identify with him—not backyard support.

“So, we are making that decision today, since we have gotten the pass.

“Everyone here who has followed me, who has suffered with me, our decision today, we are moving to APC.”
Fubara’s declaration was received with jubilation by his supporters, who chanted, “On your mandate we shall stand.”

The governor’s defection came four days after sixteen members of the State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other principal officers, also left the PDP for the APC.