That strange counsel to Fubara

Most persons tell Gov Sim Fubara to act in one way or the other. Fubara seems to have ignored all. Now, Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, known as “Ijuye Telescopic,” a Nigerian writer, political commentator, and advocate for good governance, has given one counsel that appears rare.

In his facebook article mirroring strategies and tactics of Rivers 2027 elections and the rumours of defection back to the PDP, Ijuye said: “Rumour has it that members of the pro-Wike Rivers State House of Assembly are preparing to re-decamp from APC to PDP in a desperate bid to secure tickets to return to the Assembly or contest other elections. That’s the talk in town — and in Rivers State, politics is conducted in secret.”

The story, according to him, is that the Assembly members, unlikely to get APC tickets, are now plotting a return to the PDP to contest.

This follows whispers that President Tinubu has directed all aspirants for state and national assembly seats to approach their state governors for endorsement.

“Rather than seeking tickets from Governor Fubara, these Assemblymen are opting to return to the PDP. They prefer to stay with their leader, the FCT Minister — the self-acclaimed national leader of the PDP.”

The move back to PDP is telling, he said. “It confirms there has been no genuine reconciliation between the governor and these lawmakers. It signals that, if re-elected alongside Fubara, they will continue the confrontation.

“So what should Governor Fubara do, assuming he is on his way to securing the APC governorship ticket?

“These senators, House of Representatives members, and State Assembly members planning to return to PDP are not obscure figures. They have high political visibility. Once they appear on the ballot, there will be no doubt about who put them there or whose interests they serve. Voters are clear on what they stand for.

“Fubara must therefore ensure the same clarity on his own side. Rivers people must not be confused about his candidates. The ballot must be definite and decisive.

“The governor must field a ballot with people who are unambiguously Simplified, with high-visibility, battle-tested loyalists. No new faces to confuse voters.”

That means: the immediate past SSG, the Chief of Staff, the factional Speaker, the last LGA chairmen and caretaker heads, the DG and the field commanders of the Simplified Movement. People whose faces, names, and scars are already tied to the liberation narrative. When Rivers voters see the ballot, the choice must be instant: Continuity of crisis vs Continuity of peace and stability.

He said Gov Fubara should give way now, if he’s not ready.

“This is not the time for sentiment. This is a rescue mission — a war of liberation. It demands sacrifice. There is no room for guesswork. The governor’s supporters at all levels must subordinate personal ambition to the survival of Rivers State.

“There is no time to check time. Nomination forms are already on sale.”