The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has appealed to residents of Rivers State to align with the ruling party and throw their support behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2027 general elections.
Basiru also commended Governor Fubara for what he described as notable achievements in governance and the execution of quality development projects across the state.
The possibility of Fubara seeking a second term has remained a subject of debate following the political crisis in Rivers State, which arose from a fallout between the governor and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
After President Tinubu intervened, reports indicated that both sides reached and signed a peace agreement.
It was widely reported that part of the resolution included an understanding that Fubara would not contest the 2027 governorship election.
However, Basiru’s remarks appeared to rekindle optimism for the governor, whom he described as one of the newest members of the APC.
He made the remarks in Port Harcourt on Monday during the inauguration of the newly completed Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Elimgbu community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
According to Basiru, Rivers State has emerged as a model of APC-led governance, adding that the accomplishments recorded under Fubara’s administration underscore the party’s people-focused leadership philosophy.
The APC national secretary said the party was proud that Rivers had become the first state in the South-South region to be fully governed by the APC, urging residents to strengthen these gains by supporting the party at all tiers, especially President Tinubu and Governor Fubara.
Addressing Rivers residents, Basiru said, “We bring the goodwill of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to the good people of Rivers State, particularly one of the latest sign-ins into the pan-African, pan-Nigerian political party, the APC.
“As long as Governor Fubara is in the APC, he already has a junior from the North-Central. I congratulate the people of Rivers State for being part of this pan-Nigerian political party. By the entrance of Governor Fubara into the APC, the South-South geopolitical zone has become the first zone to have all APC governors.”
He added that the same milestone was later achieved in the North-Central zone, attributing the trend to President Tinubu, whom he described as a detribalised leader who places national interest above personal or sectional considerations.
Basiru further explained that the APC stands for tolerance, fairness and prudent leadership, noting that the party’s broom symbolises unity and collective advancement.
Speaking on the housing project, he said shelter remains a fundamental human need, adding, “Mr Governor, you are not only providing accommodation for Permanent Secretaries, but you are also giving hope to those joining the public service in Rivers State today that one day they, too, can have befitting accommodation.
“You are saving the state significant resources because when people are comfortable in their jobs, the temptation to engage in sharp practices that undermine transparency, commitment and loyalty to the state is reduced.
“I congratulate our governor and our party because when the governor performs well, it reflects positively on the party. The only way Rivers people can reciprocate is to continue voting for the APC at all levels.
“In the fullness of time, during the general elections, the votes for our party, our governor and our President will be massive in Rivers State.”
In his response, Governor Fubara said the housing scheme was conceived to boost productivity, enhance the health and welfare of senior civil servants, and ensure stability within the public service.
He explained that providing secure and decent accommodation for Permanent Secretaries would address concerns of insecurity and uncertainty that could negatively affect their efficiency and judgement, particularly for officers with family responsibilities.
Fubara recalled the respect traditionally accorded to the office of Permanent Secretary, stressing that such officials deserve official residences and mobility to perform their duties with dignity.
The governor also assured that the initiative would be extended beyond Permanent Secretaries, stating that other cadres of civil servants would benefit from similar welfare programmes.
He cautioned beneficiaries to protect the facility and directed the Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to oversee proper maintenance and long-term sustainability.
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who performed the inauguration, praised the governor for prioritising the welfare and dignity of public servants, describing the estate as a forward-looking investment in institutional stability.
She observed that many senior civil servants across the country lack official housing, adding that the Rivers initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s staff welfare agenda under President Tinubu.
Providing technical insights, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 housing units—nine detached duplexes and 20 terrace buildings—fitted with modern amenities such as a water treatment plant, synchronised power generators, CCTV cameras, alarm systems, a gymnasium, recreational facilities and landscaped green areas.
Members of the APC National Working Committee, senior government officials and other stakeholders attended the event.
