Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday in Rivers State.
Naija News reports that Fubara announced his decision in a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday night titled, “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.”
According to the governor, the decision followed wide consultations with his family, political allies and associates, adding that he would support whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he stated.
Fubara explained that he decided to step aside in the interest of peace, stability and unity in Rivers State, stressing that the collective interest of the state must come before personal ambition.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.
The governor also appreciated his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout his political journey despite the challenges encountered along the way.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey, who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude.
“I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain,” he added.
Fubara further hinted at the pressures and difficult circumstances he had faced in recent times but maintained that he deliberately remained silent in order to preserve peace.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.
“It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he stated.
The Rivers governor also thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his encouragement and support.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement,” he said.
Fubara urged APC members and supporters to remain united and committed to the party, describing the APC as a common platform for all loyal members.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together,” he noted.
The governor stressed that his withdrawal should not be viewed as weakness, fear or surrender, but as a sacrifice made in the interest of peace and unity in Rivers State.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity.
“And I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State till the end of my term,” he added.