In a significant political shift, twelve prominent politicians, all members of the Local Government Coordinators of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), have announced their departure from the organization and declared unwavering support for Governor Sim Fubara.
This move follows the recent resignation of Achor Nna, the councillor representing the ward of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in favor of Governor Fubara.
The GDI, a pivotal political pressure group, played a pivotal role in securing massive support for FCT minister Nyesom Wike during the 2015 governorship elections in Rivers State.
The departing coordinators represent various local governments, including Ogu/Bolo, Port Harcourt City, Opobo/Nkoro, Gokana, Bonny, Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Oyigbo, Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Wike’s local government area, Obio/Akpor.
Collins Onunwo, the former coordinator in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, led the delegation to the Government House in Port Harcourt, emphasising their decision to resign from GDI leadership positions in order to safeguard and promote the interests of Rivers people.
Onunwo highlighted their commitment to supporting Governor Fubara, citing the legitimacy of their votes and mandate, a decision affirmed by the Supreme Court.
He stated, “We want the public, Rivers people, and all Nigerians to know that GDI is the group founded by the former governor and now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike. That group brought him to power in 2015 and supported his ambition in 2019. That group is his strength.
“But today, we and our supporters have decided we are no longer members of GDI. The reason is simple: we want to be with Rivers people. Rivers’ interest is paramount. In 2012, GDI’s interest was to protect, defend, and promote our brother-in-law, President Goodluck Jonathan, because of our mother and sister, Dame Patience Jonathan; and it yielded good dividends to the state.
“Through that struggle, our brother, Chief Nyesom Wike, became governor in 2015; and in 2019, when Abuja politicians said he will not return for a second tenure, we all rallied around him and defended our votes, and he served for eight years.
“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.
“We have come to join millions of Rivers women, youths, elders, and other well-meaning people who insist that we must protect our votes to sustain democracy. Our concern is that we voted for PDP and Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and we must protect that mandate with all we have,” he added.
In a stern warning, Onunwo cautioned those opposing the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Edison Ehie, urging them to reconsider their stance or face the repercussions from Rivers youths, women, and elders.
The meeting, attended by State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Chijioke Ihunwo, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Solomon Abel-Eke, signals a noteworthy shift in political alliances within the state.
