Tensions Rise In Rivers: Fubara’s Faction Warns Police Against Favoritism in PDP Crisis

The faction also accused embattled factional chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka of unlawfully occupying the party’s secretariat, despite a Rivers State High Court ruling that nullified the congresses that brought his leadership into office.

The PDP state secretariat on Aba Road remains barricaded by the police as both factions vie for control. Reports reveal that Chukwuemeka, under heavy police protection, held a press conference at the secretariat on Tuesday, while Robinson Ewhor, the acting state chairman aligned with Governor Fubara, addressed the media from a different location.

Ewhor reaffirmed that Chukwuemeka is no longer the legitimate party chairman, citing a judgment by Justice Stephen Jumbo of the Rivers State High Court that invalidated Chukwuemeka’s executive. Referring to him as an impostor, Ewhor stated, “The attention of the PDP Rivers State chapter has been drawn to a press briefing by one Aaron Chukwuemeka, an impostor claiming to be chairman of the PDP in the state.”

Ewhor called on Chukwuemeka and his faction to respect the court’s decision and vacate the secretariat, warning them to stop claiming legitimacy.

However, Chukwuemeka argued that he was duly elected, referencing a Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu, which he claimed validated the congresses that brought him to office. He dismissed the state High Court’s judgment as “kangaroo and non-executory” and vowed to appeal the ruling.

Ewhor also criticized the police, accusing them of supporting Chukwuemeka’s faction despite the High Court’s decision. He expressed disappointment, stating, “It is concerning that despite the court’s ruling being public knowledge, the state police hierarchy continues to provide cover for illegitimate executives to carry out illegal acts.