Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Chief Bode George has declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the rightful leader of the party in Rivers State, urging all PDP members to rally behind him and end the escalating political crisis in the state.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, George stressed that Fubara, as the sitting governor, holds the mantle of leadership within the PDP in Rivers, not his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who has been at the centre of rising tensions.

“Fubara is the leader of PDP in Rivers, not Wike. We have to stand by him,” George stated unequivocally.

The call for reconciliation comes in the wake of a series of disturbing incidents in the state, including the recent arson attacks on local government secretariats on the day newly elected officials were to assume office.

The political rift between Fubara and Wike has been blamed for the unrest, with fears that the situation could escalate further without intervention.

George, a seasoned politician, stated that his primary concern is to restore peace to Rivers State, noting that the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT) has made efforts to mediate between the two leaders.

“We’ve made attempts to reconcile both Fubara and Wike. I spoke with the BOT chairman and other members, and we’ve tried to meet with both sides. Wike even agreed to a meeting after returning from China, but I haven’t been updated on the final outcome,” George disclosed.

The PDP elder statesman reiterated that his stance is not about taking sides but ensuring fairness and stability prevail.

“We need justice, equity, and fairness in Rivers. The leader of the party in the state is Governor Fubara, and we all must stand by him,” he concluded.