By Rauf Oyewole
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election in Rivers State, saying his decision was guided by the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor said he arrived at the decision after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends and political associates.
Fubara stated that although the decision was difficult, leadership sometimes requires personal sacrifice in the interest of the people.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.
The governor also pledged support for whoever emerges as the candidate of the APC in the governorship primary election.
He expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging the disappointment many of them might feel following his withdrawal.
“I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way,” he stated.
Fubara hinted at undisclosed pressures and difficult political circumstances surrounding his decision, noting that his silence over the period had been “deliberate and strategic.”
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace,” he said, adding that some realities are better handled with restraint in the interest of peace.
The governor, however, insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he added.
Fubara also thanked the APC leadership for providing him the platform to participate in the process and expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement.
He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as a collective political home for its members.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his tenure.
