By Milcah Tanimu
March 11, 2024 – Former Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a political arm of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 12 local government areas of Rivers State, have declared their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The coordinators, representing various local government areas, pledged their allegiance to the governor during a solidarity visit led by Collins Onunwo, the former Coordinator in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The delegation, comprised of former members of the GDI All Coordinators’ Forum, visited Governor Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Onunwo explained that their decision to resign from GDI and join the Simplified Movement was made in the interest of the Rivers people. He emphasized their commitment to supporting Governor Fubara, citing the governor’s Supreme Court affirmation and the need to promote the state’s interests.
Onunwo conveyed the determination and dedication of the former GDI coordinators to contribute to the success of the policies and programs of the present administration. He clarified that their choice to disassociate from GDI was driven by a desire to align with the interests of the Rivers people.
Addressing the media, Onunwo stated, “Today, Rivers’ interest is to protect our votes that brought in Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State in the most credible, fair and violence-free election.” He urged those challenging Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Edison Ehie, to reconsider their actions or face the repercussions from Rivers youths, women, and elders.
Former Public Relations Officer of GDI, Christian Abu, affirmed that the ex-GDI coordinators resigned to join the Simplified Movement. He clarified that GDI had been instrumental in the successes of previous elections in the state, serving as the vehicle and political structure for those victories.
Present at the meeting were Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and Solomon Abel Eke, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, among others.
The rift between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, who initially supported Fubara as his successor, has been a subject of public attention. However, Governor Fubara has emphasized his focus on delivering on his mandate and addressing the needs of the people, despite the challenges posed by political disagreements.
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