The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chief Emeka Beke, has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to urgently convene a stakeholders’ meeting to chart a clear direction for the party in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday by the APC State Publicity Secretary of the Beke faction, Mr. Dalington Nwauju, the group said the meeting is necessary now that leadership issues within the party have been clarified.

The statement followed remarks by President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, on Thursday, in which he affirmed that every sitting governor is recognised as the leader of their party at the state level, regardless of whether they belong to the APC or the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bwala also warned against any attempts to obstruct Governor Fubara from performing his duties, noting that the President rewards loyalty but does not tolerate overbearing conduct.

Nwauju expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for upholding the party constitution, saying the clarification vindicates the APC’s longstanding position regarding Governor Fubara’s leadership role.

He said, “We are grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, for reaffirming the position of the governor through his Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala. This aligns with the policy direction of our national party leadership under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Senator (Dr.) Ajibola Basiru.”

According to Nwauju, the reaffirmation strengthens the Rivers APC’s stance on Governor Fubara’s authority and corrects what he described as “false or misleading narratives being peddled by political jobbers.” He urged Governor Fubara to immediately convene a stakeholders’ meeting to provide clear guidance for the party moving forward.

The statement also renewed calls for the resignation of the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over his comments regarding the Rivers State House of Assembly’s impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy. Nwauju described Morka’s interventions as contrary to party principles, urging him to step down to safeguard the party’s image.

The Beke faction reminded the APC National Working Committee of ongoing court judgments on Rivers State APC leadership (Suit Nos. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and PHC/3859/CS/2024) and called for immediate congresses at ward, local government, and state levels to harmonise contending interests.

Currently, the APC in Rivers State operates two factions: one led by Emeka Beke and another by Chief Tony Okocha, which is recognised by the party’s national leadership.