Ibadan, Nigeria – Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have converged in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a two-day emergency meeting to address critical issues threatening the stability of the party and democracy in Rivers State. Top among their agenda is the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The meeting, confirmed by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, began on Sunday and is expected to conclude today. Sources say the governors are also reviewing their pending suit before the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the state of emergency.
Tompolo Breaks Silence, Assures Fubara’s Return
Amid mounting political tensions, former militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has broken his silence. Speaking during his 54th birthday celebration in Gbaramatu, Tompolo declared that Fubara would return to office, affirming that the Ijaw Nation would never be subdued.
“I have never fought a battle and lost,” he said. “The Ijaws will never be conquered. Let’s support President Tinubu; he is not a bad person. But on Rivers, I cannot betray my people. Fubara will return.”
Tompolo also addressed issues around ward delineation and ongoing ethnic disputes, urging unity between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
Dagogo Drags Tinubu, Akpabio, Ibas to Court
Former House of Representatives member, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Dagogo is challenging the declaration of the state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Fubara. The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an order for substituted service and fixed May 12, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive case.
INC Condemns Removal of Fubara’s Billboards
In a related development, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has strongly condemned the destruction of Governor Fubara’s billboards and official portraits across Rivers State. Some individuals were reportedly seen removing images of the governor alongside those of former Obio/Akpor council chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo.
INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, described the act as “barbaric and provocative,” accusing the Sole Administrator of fueling political unrest to justify the imposition of emergency rule.
“This is an unconstitutional act,” Okaba said. “Fubara was not impeached—he was suspended. Pulling down his images is part of a calculated effort to incite violence and maintain the state of emergency.”
Governors’ Meeting Tackles Party Crisis
The PDP governors are also expected to discuss broader issues affecting the party, including the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, South-South leadership disputes, and internal divisions within the National Working Committee (NWC).
“The meeting is very crucial,” a party insider noted. “From the Rivers crisis to unresolved legal matters and the Supreme Court judgment on the party’s national secretary, everything is on the table.”
