In the evolving narrative of party politics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has clarified that the National Working Committee (NWC) has firmly rejected an amended list of Caretaker Committee members for Rivers State that found its way onto social media platforms and into some national dailies on Thursday. This development marks a significant moment of assertion by the party’s central governing body, underscoring its commitment to previously agreed-upon structures and processes.
Official Response to Misinformation
Governor Fubara, through statements relayed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, provided this crucial update following a strategic session with the NWC at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja. The meeting served not only as a platform for reaffirmation of party decisions but also as a corrective measure against misinformation spreading through public channels.
During this pivotal gathering, Governor Fubara reiterated the outcomes of an earlier convergence among the NWC, the Board of Trustees (BOTs), and the PDP Governors’ Forum held in Abuja in March. This reaffirmation highlighted the party’s stance on the continuity of executive officers, whose tenures concluded in March, in their roles until the lapse of a three-month extension sanctioned by the NWC. This period is anticipated to culminate in the conduct of new congresses.
Clarifying the Authentic List
In the wake of confusion stirred by the unauthorized list’s circulation, Governor Fubara referenced a communique from Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary, dated March 27, 2024. This letter, directed to the Rivers State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka, delineated the legitimate members of the Caretaker Committees across various levels within Rivers State, emphasizing adherence to the constitutionally backed decisions of the NWC.
The document underscored the NWC’s directive, following the tenure expiration of elected Ward, LGA, and State Executive Members in Rivers State, to appoint the outgoing execos as Caretaker Committee Members. This transitional arrangement was detailed to last for a three-month period, starting from the respective expiration dates of the Ward, LGA, and State executives in March 2024.
Furthermore, the correspondence clarified the policy on vacancies arising from death, removal, resignation, or defection, stipulating that these would remain unfilled during the interim period.
Governor Fubara’s Stern Warning
In response to the unauthorized alterations and dissemination of the caretaker list, Governor Fubara issued a stern warning against attempts to sow discord within the party’s ranks. He denounced the circulated list as a fabrication intended to destabilize the party’s unity and distract the government from its governance objectives.
Governor Fubara appealed for calm among the affected party officers and urged adherence to the legitimate duties assigned to them, cautioning against impersonation and the legal ramifications that could ensue from such actions. This stance reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the party’s integrity and operational coherence in the face of challenges.
A United Front Against Discord
As the PDP navigates these internal dynamics, the resolve demonstrated by the NWC and state leadership to uphold agreed principles and resist divisive maneuvers stands as a testament to the party’s dedication to unity and democratic processes. With the National Executive Committee meeting looming on April 18, the party’s direction and cohesion will undoubtedly remain under close watch, setting the stage for potential ratification of the interim arrangements and defining the roadmap ahead for the PDP in Rivers State.
