The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State not to abandon the party following his reinstatement.

The party urged him to focus on rebuilding the state and delivering good governance.

PDP Vice-Chairman for Lagos Central, Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, encouraged Fubara to be courageous and committed in carrying out his duties as governor.

“The governor should not muster any fear, the deed has been done. He should continue strong and be faithful in doing what is expected of him as the governor of the state. Fubara must make Rivers great again. The governor should nurture the party that brought him to power into a bigger platform; he should not jettison that party. He should ensure the party becomes stronger in the state and region,” Olalemi said.

The PDP chieftain also called on all politicians in Rivers to prioritize peace and the welfare of the people over partisan politics.

“There is no need for us to clap, dance, jump, or celebrate that Gov. Fubara has been reinstated. He has gotten back the mandate freely given to him at the ballot but now weakened. Our advice to the legislative and executive arms is to work together and in harmony for the betterment of the good people of Rivers. These are the people that voted them, and their interest should supersede all politics and politicking,” Olalemi added.

Return to Office After Emergency Rule

The emergency rule in Rivers, declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 following a political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, paralyzed governance in the state.

The proclamation had suspended Fubara and the state assembly for six months, placing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.

On Wednesday, President Tinubu announced the end of the emergency rule, directing elected officials to resume duties.

Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members returned to office on Thursday.

Olalemi also urged lawmakers who had aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the crisis to return fully to PDP.

He stressed that the interests of the electorate should guide their actions.

“The people voted them in, and their welfare should always take precedence over politics. They deserve to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Olalemi said.