“Bode George Declares: Fubara, Not Wike, Is PDP’s True Leader in Rivers”

Babatunji Wusu –

• Bode George urges reconciliation between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike to restore peace in Rivers State.
• The political rift has led to increased unrest, highlighted by the recent arson of local government secretariats.
• George emphasizes the necessity of party unity and support for Fubara’s leadership within the PDP.
• Efforts have been made to mediate between Wike and Fubara, with George discussing potential meetings.
• The PDP Board of Trustees plays a critical role in resolving internal party conflicts.

Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to reconcile in order to restore peace to Rivers State, which has been experiencing heightened political tensions in recent weeks.

The rift between Fubara and Wike has led to escalating unrest, with the latest incident occurring on Monday when several local government secretariats were set ablaze, coinciding with the commencement of work for newly elected local officials.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the oil-rich state and emphasized the need for a resolution focused on peace and stability. He underscored the importance of party unity, asserting that Governor Fubara, as the current PDP leader in Rivers State, requires full support from all party members to succeed.

George stated, “Justice is, who is the leader of the party in the state? It is not the minister; it is this governor. So, we have to stand by him. The beauty of it is he stated categorically that he wasn’t leaving the party, and then they carried out this election.”

He revealed that he and other members of the PDP Board of Trustees have made efforts to mediate between Wike and Fubara. George noted, “I spoke with the chairman of the board of trustees and attempted to arrange a visit with Fubara to hear his perspective, and I also spoke with Wike about scheduling a meeting. He indicated that he would be ready to meet after returning from China. Unfortunately, while the others have been there, I have not been able to attend, so I am unaware of the outcome.”

He affirmed that the party’s Board of Trustees is responsible for addressing such issues within the party.