Bauchi State Gov Makes Fresh Revelations On Fubara Hours After Witnessing Swearing In Of Newly Elected LG Chairmen In Rivers
Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, has praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for demonstrating true democratic leadership.
Mohammed commended Fubara for overcoming challenges to advance democracy, noting that he has taken proactive steps with an open mind and strategic approaches to ensure democratic governance at the local government level, regardless of party affiliations.
The Bauchi State Governor made these remarks after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 democratically elected local government chairmen in Rivers State at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
A statement by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, shared with newsmen on Monday morning, conveyed Mohammed’s sentiments.
He emphasized that Rivers State remains a PDP stronghold, even though the newly sworn-in chairmen and councillors are from different political parties. Mohammed acknowledged the unique political situation, noting it as a challenge faced by both the party and governors.
Despite this, he affirmed that Fubara, who serves as Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, remains a dedicated member of the party, even though the local government leadership comprises officials from various political parties.
He said, “Of course, he is still with us. He’s still a PDP man, and I have to come, on behalf of the Governors, to show solidarity with him for his very proactive democratic instincts that he developed, which is a new manifestation in the political arena in Nigeria; where he had to intensify, and he has to develop strategy to be able to deliver governance, irrespective of party allegiance or party consideration.”
Mohammed stated further, “He didn’t have a structure of the party in the state, for certain reasons, and he had to go out to make sure he allowed other parties to participate within the political space so that there wouldn’t be any vacuum.
“And, I think this is very auspicious, that is very creative and I am very proud of him. And I said, yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to be running away from this.
“Again, he has established himself as a Governor and the pride of all the governors in Nigeria.”
Senator Bala Mohammed emphasized the importance of not disregarding a sitting governor at the sub-national level, highlighting the significant role they play and the influence they command.
He stressed that the audacity to undermine the office and person of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is unacceptable, given the authority and responsibility Fubara holds as the leader of Rivers State. Mohammed firmly stated that such actions should not be tolerated.
He added, “A Governor is the Chief Executive. He can do anything. He can spring surprises because the Nigerian State is run by governors at the sub-national level. Even the Federal Government is a tenant. Nigerians live in the States and Local Governments, and that is why what he did today is very proactive and creative, irrespective of the fact that he knew his party would lose.
“And certainly, because of his deep democratic instincts, he had to allow the other parties to win, and I will just wish that those who have won will see it in their own modesty and willing to give him support. Because he is not doing it with any strings or asking them to do anything. Let the APP and him have that relationship so that he can govern”, he explained.
Mohammed recounted that in 2019, he faced a situation similar to what Governor Fubara is currently experiencing. However, he stood firm and successfully navigated through the challenges.
The Chairman of PDPGF said, “I had a similar situation in 2019. I governed a state where only nine PDP persons were members of the state Assembly and he (Fubara) is still doing that.
“So, his political sagacity has come to a level where he has become a specimen for democratic studies in Nigeria.”
In response to the question of when the PDP would resolve its ongoing crisis and achieve unity, Governor Mohammed expressed confidence that while the process may appear prolonged, genuine reconciliation is on the horizon.
Mohammed emphasised, “And that is the more reason I am here. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. All the governors are with him, and certainly, we are taking steps to ensure reconciliation.
“Reconciliation with somebody who they had started with; the former Governor of this State and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory is a must because, certainly, they have come a long way. We didn’t want to throw the baby away with the bad water.
“And certainly, the governors are with the Governor (Fubara) because this is our tradition and fraternity; at the same time, out of our political history as a party that has a history of governance. We are still stretching our arms of reconciliation to his mentor, to his friend and brother, and also our colleague”, he added.
