Prince Uche Secondus, the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has Insisted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the definitive leader of the party in Rivers State, emphasizing that two captains cannot navigate the same ship.
Tensions have been high between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly regarding control over the PDP’s organizational structure in Rivers State.
Wike has accused Fubara of betraying him, asserting that he will not cede control of the party to the current governor. Nevertheless, Fubara enjoys substantial support from key stakeholders in the state, including Secondus.
During the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Secondus expressed regret over the ongoing discord in Rivers State, noting that it has deterred potential investors. He remains hopeful that the conflict will soon be resolved. He urged those opposed to Fubara to embrace peace for the benefit of the state and its residents.
“There cannot be two captains on a ship. Governor Fubara is the rightful leader of our state,” he stated. “Whatever issues are affecting the PDP will be sorted out shortly. Fubara is both the leader and the governor of Rivers State.”
Secondus emphasized the necessity for unity, stating, “I pray that those against the governor reconsider, as this crisis is unwarranted. We are all feeling the impact. Our state is facing significant challenges in attracting business; investors are leaving, and we need to lower the tensions. That is my advice.”
He further lamented the economic situation in Nigeria, warning that the country is on the brink of becoming a failed state due to the suffering of the populace, exacerbated by rising fuel prices under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The indicators are ominous, pointing towards a failing democracy and state. We must pray for our nation, as the people are in distress and facing overwhelming hardships. In just a few weeks, fuel prices have skyrocketed to N1,100, with some areas seeing costs as high as N1,200. The pain is intensifying every day,” Secondus remarked.