The Labour Party (LP) has taken an unexpected turn in Rivers State politics, dropping its petition against the election of Governor Sim Fubara and extending an olive branch to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This comes weeks after the Appeal Court affirmed Fubara’s victory, dismissing the petition filed by LP’s governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo. However, in a surprising Saturday interview with Channels Television, Itubo announced the party’s decision to “let go” of the case.
“Priorities have shifted,” Itubo declared. “Because of the current happenings in Rivers State, we feel that the interests of the state are far more paramount than every one of our expectations or feelings.”
This change of heart appears to be driven by a desire for stability and development in the oil-rich state. Itubo emphasized the importance of “allowing the government to move on” and fostering “good governance, which cannot exist without peace.”
In a bold gesture, Itubo called on all Rivers residents, regardless of party affiliation, to support Fubara’ administration.
“We are also calling on well-meaning Rivers indigenes to come – even those who live and work in the state, those who do business here,” she urged.
“Everybody should come out and support the government of Sir Sim Fubara so that we can move Rivers State to the next level.”