The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to Senate President Godswil Akpabio. The party has urged him to exercise caution in his public statements, so as not to exacerbate the already strained political situation in the state.
This call was made by the party's publicity secretary in Rivers, Tambari Sydney Gbara, in response to comments made by Akpabio at an event in Port Harcourt. At this event, Akpabio had appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to consider an individual from the Ogoni ethnic group as a successor to Governor Siminialayi Fubara.
Gbara stated that while he supports the idea of an Ogoni governorship, he believes that the timing of Akpabio's comments is inappropriate. He cited the tense political climate in the state and the considerable time remaining until the next election as reasons for his stance.
The PDP spokesperson further highlighted that Governor Fubara enjoys substantial support from the Ogoni people, whom he described as good neighbours to the people of Opobo and constituents of the same Senatorial District.
Gbara pointed out that Governor Fubara has initiated the development of Bori town, the administrative centre of the Ogoni people. This includes the ongoing construction of internal roads in the town, among other projects aimed at benefiting the populace.
In his words, “The Senate President, who is a notable leader in the Southsouth region is expected to make utterances that will calm the already tense political situation in the state and not one that will aggravate it. Senator Akpabio’s statement knowing fully well that there is a sitting governor in the state, is demeaning of the office of the governor, which he would not have tolerated in his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”