Tensions have flared within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a public clash between two senior party officials over remarks about Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The dispute emerged after Hon. Victor Giadom, the APC’s South-South National Vice Chairman, described Fubara as a “so-called governor of Rivers State” during a thank-you visit by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to Gokana Local Government Area last week. The comment drew sharp criticism from the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
On Sunday, Basiru condemned Giadom’s statement via his verified Facebook account, calling it disrespectful to both the office of a state governor and the party itself.
“I find it regrettable that a member of the NWC, holding the position of South-South Vice Chairman, would refer to a sitting governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State’,” Basiru said.
He stressed that political differences should never undermine respect for elected offices.
“No matter the allegiances or differences involved, it is inappropriate for anyone in such a sensitive role to use language that diminishes an elected official,” Basiru added.
Highlighting the importance of the governor’s office, Basiru insisted that derogatory references are unacceptable, stating:
“Even if the governor were from another party, you cannot call him a ‘so-called governor’ to curry favour with anyone. The office itself is exalted, and whoever occupies it deserves respect, regardless of political disagreements or personal animosities.”
Giadom made the controversial remarks while addressing residents during Wike’s visit to Gokana LGA, asserting that Governor Fubara’s political influence in the area depended on Wike’s backing.
“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the people of Gokana are loyal to Wike and Tinubu, and nobody can challenge Wike’s influence here,” Giadom said.
He added, “Gokana is effectively a ‘no-go area’ for anyone, including Governor Fubara. For him to succeed politically here, he must first navigate Wike’s influence.”
Some local APC leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Dumle Maol and Gokana LGA Chairman Confidence Deko, appeared to support Giadom’s stance, pledging allegiance to Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
During the visit, Wike thanked Gokana residents for their support and emphasized the need for unity. He reiterated that members of both APC and PDP in Rivers State were collaborating under President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, highlighting cross-party cooperation despite political differences.
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