Gov Fubara Retakes Control as PDP Appoints Interim Leadership in Rivers State After Court Ruling

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has appointed an interim leadership following a High Court ruling that removed Aaron Chukwuemeka as the state chairman. The decision, widely seen as a strategic move by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to retake control of the party’s affairs, comes after Justice Stephen Jumbo issued an interlocutory injunction on Monday, restraining Chukwuemeka and his executive committee from continuing to act in their official capacities.

The injunction was sought by Edwin Woko and three other party members, who challenged the congresses that led to Chukwuemeka’s emergence, citing violations of a previous court order. Justice Jumbo declared the ward, local government, and state congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, illegal and void from inception. The judge noted that the congresses were conducted despite a July 20, 2024, ruling by Justice Charles Wali, which barred the PDP from proceeding with such activities.

To restore order and stabilize the party, the PDP has named Nname Robinson Ewor, Chairman of the Governing Council of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic and Rivers West Senatorial Vice Chairman of the PDP, as the acting state chairman. The newly constituted interim leadership includes 15 members tasked with resolving ongoing internal conflicts.

The interim executives are: Nname Robinson Ewor (Acting State Chairman), Field Nkor (Acting State Secretary), William Fialaosika, Bellor Kingsley Waite, Sydney Gbara, Uranta Humphrey Clinton, Victor Pepple, Alom Austin Mba, Beauty Adokiye, Emily Solomon, Sunny Daniel, Sule Amakiri, Alalibo Graham Braide, Simon Hart, Ngozi Ogbonda, Constance Oruma, and Augusta Agwor.

Additionally, the leadership team includes several Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen: Handsome Ekelechi Agile (Ahoada East), Thompson Marcus (Ogu/Bolo), Oba Fred (Okrika), Christian Obene (Akulga), Dennis Amadi (Ikwerre), Nwuche Chukwuemeka (Ahoada West), Wilcox Buruwi (Bonny), Pepple Godwin (Opobo), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), Oduye Tom-West (Asalga), Victor Ere (Andoni), Princewill Ejikwe (Onelga), Otamiri Ngubo (Etche), and Minikwu Uche (Emohua).

Chukwuemeka and the removed executives are known allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.