The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Emeka Beke, has welcomed what it described as a clear presidential affirmation of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in the state, stating that the clarification has vindicated its long-held position amid internal disagreements within the party.

In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for reaffirming the party’s constitutional convention, which recognises sitting APC governors as leaders of the party in their respective states.

The statement referenced comments credited to the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Mr Daniel Bwala, as providing the needed clarity on the matter.

According to the party, the presidential clarification aligns with the policy direction of the APC’s national leadership under the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator (Dr) Ajibola Basiru.

The Rivers APC said the position reinforces internal party cohesion by allowing governors to drive mobilisation, unity, and organisational efficiency at the state level.

“This timely reaffirmation justifies the position of Rivers State APC on the status of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as leader of our party in Rivers State,” the statement said, adding that it should correct what it described as false or misleading narratives allegedly promoted by “political jobbers.”

The party, however, used the opportunity to strongly criticise comments reportedly made by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, on the ongoing impeachment process involving Governor Fubara and his deputy.

The Rivers APC said Morka’s opinion contradicted the “essence of party membership” and failed to protect the organisational interests of the party.

In unusually strong language, the state chapter suggested that Morka should step down from his position as National Publicity Secretary, accusing him of failing in his role as the party’s chief image maker and defender of its objectives.

The statement also reminded the APC National Working Committee (NWC) of what it described as subsisting court judgments relating to the leadership of the party in Rivers State.

It cited Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and Suit No. PHC/3859/CS/2024, urging the national leadership to immediately schedule congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels to elect new party executives and harmonise contending interests within the party.

As part of steps toward reconciliation and direction-setting, the Rivers APC further called on Governor Fubara, in his capacity as leader of the party in the state, to convene a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to the party, such a meeting would help chart a clear path forward amid the political tensions currently affecting Rivers State.