The platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for a two-day meeting that began yesterday.
The meeting which aims to address critical issues confronting the party, including the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a related development, former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has spoken publicly for the first time since the emergency declaration. He expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would soon be reinstated.
Meanwhile, former House of Representatives member, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (rtd). The suit challenges the legal basis for the state of emergency declaration in Rivers.
Adding to the controversy, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned the destruction and removal of billboards featuring Governor Fubara’s image in parts of Rivers State, describing it as a troubling development.
According to party sources, the PDP governors will also discuss their legal challenge at the Supreme Court against the Federal Government’s decision to impose a state of emergency and suspend Fubara.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the governors’ forum commenced its meeting yesterday and is expected to conclude today.
A party insider emphasized the significance of the gathering, saying, “The meeting is very crucial. Key issues on the agenda include the Supreme Court ruling on the party’s National Secretary position, preparations for the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, leadership tensions in the South-South zone, the Rivers crisis, and broader concerns within the party’s National Working Committee.
