A public affairs commentator, Chief Edet Isong, has urged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from actions capable of destabilising the party in Rivers State, stressing that the sitting governor remains the rightful leader of the party in the state.
Chief Isong noted that in all APC-controlled states across Nigeria, governors are traditionally and politically recognised as leaders of their respective party structures. He maintained that Rivers State should not be treated differently, emphasising that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, having been duly elected, deserves full recognition and support as the party’s leader in the state.
He recalled that former governors Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi each governed Rivers State for eight years and were, throughout their tenures, acknowledged as leaders of their parties without controversy.
Condemning what he described as persistent political interference and internal party conflicts, Chief Isong warned that such actions only weaken the APC and distract from effective governance. He expressed deep concern over the sustained political pressure faced by Governor Fubara, stressing that the governor had already suffered enough, having been suspended for six months while still serving as a sitting governor—a development he said was unprecedented, deeply troubling, and raised serious questions about fairness, justice, and democratic practice.
Chief Isong further warned that any attack on the Rivers State governor amounts to an attack on the APC itself.
“If you are fighting the Governor of Rivers State, then you are fighting the APC,” he said. “Anyone who truly loves the APC must support and respect the governor. Party loyalty must translate into support for elected leadership.”
He also called on the APC to strengthen its foothold in the South-South geopolitical zone, stressing that unity in Rivers State is critical to the party’s broader regional ambitions. According to him, internal crises only hand strategic advantage to opposition parties.
“I am not from Rivers State, but I do not support injustice anywhere,” he added. “For democracy to thrive, party leaders and stakeholders must respect established conventions and allow elected governors to perform their duties without unnecessary obstruction.”
Chief Isong concluded by urging the national leadership of the APC to intervene constructively, promote peace, and ensure justice in Rivers State, noting that unity within the party remains the strongest pathway to electoral success and good governance.
By Ndifreke Bassey