Addressing reporters, Onunwo, a former chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, outlined the primary objective of GDI, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding, advocating for, and advancing the interests of Rivers State and its citizens.
He stressed that with their unwavering support for Governor Fubara, ratified by the Supreme Court following the electoral process, GDI is duty-bound to rally behind the governor for his successful tenure.
Onunwo pledged the unwavering resolve and wholehearted dedication of former GDI coordinators towards facilitating the realization of the current administration’s policies and initiatives.
He emphasized, “It’s imperative for the public, Rivers people, and all Nigerians to understand that GDI was established by the former governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike. This group propelled him to power in 2015 and supported his aspirations in 2019. It remains his stronghold.
“However, today, we and our supporters have made the decision to part ways with GDI. Our rationale is straightforward: we prioritize aligning ourselves with the interests of Rivers people. The welfare of Rivers State is paramount to us.
“In 2012, GDI’s focus was on safeguarding, advocating for, and advancing the cause of our brother-in-law, President Goodluck Jonathan, owing to our familial ties with our mother and sister, Dame Patience Jonathan. This concerted effort bore significant benefits for the state.
“Through our collective struggle, our brother, Chief Nyesom Wike, assumed office as governor in 2015. Despite challenges, when politicians in Abuja doubted his return for a second term in 2019, we stood by him, safeguarded our votes, and he served two terms, totaling eight years.”
“Today, the priority for Rivers State is to safeguard the votes that elected Sir Siminalayi Fubara as the Executive Governor of Rivers State through a process that was credible, fair, and devoid of violence,” he stated.
Expanding on this, he continued, “We have united with millions of Rivers women, youths, elders, and other individuals of goodwill who are steadfast in their resolve to safeguard our votes as a means to uphold democracy.
“Our primary concern lies in the fact that we cast our votes for the PDP and Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and it’s imperative that we protect that mandate with all our strength and resources.”
He warned those engaging in confrontations with the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Edison Ehie, to reconsider their actions, or else face the collective anger of Rivers youths, women, and elders.
Former Public Relations Officer of GDI, Christian Abu, emphasized that the ex-GDI coordinators resigned to simplify their affiliations, clarifying that GDI has served as the vehicle and political structure behind the successes of previous elections in the state.
Present at the meeting were the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Solomon Abel Eke, among others.
Fubara, Wike’s chosen successor in the Peoples Democratic Party for the governorship of Rivers State, was mentioned. Their relationship, once close, soured abruptly after Fubara’s election, leading to a string of conflicts between them.
Despite ongoing disputes with his predecessor and certain members of the state House of Assembly, Fubara has asserted that his administration is not engaged in any form of hostility, but is focused on fulfilling its mandate to address the needs of the people and safeguard the state’s interests, as stated by the governor.
He clarified that in safeguarding the state’s interests, his administration will persist in adhering to what is morally upright in the eyes of both God and humanity. Furthermore, he expressed a commitment to fostering active involvement of the populace in governance.
