Jake Epelle, a Rivers State elder statesman, has stated that the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was compelled to sign the documents he endorsed during President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the state political crisis several months ago.
During an interview with Arise TV from 8:52, Epelle explained that a document was drafted after the president’s intervention, and Fubara was pressured into signing it.
He highlighted a key detail within the document, which serves as evidence that the 27 lawmakers responsible for the current political deadlock had indeed defected.
According to him, the document explicitly states that Governor Fubara would recognize these lawmakers as having moved from the PDP to the APC. He further noted that Wike, Amaewhule, and all the elders, including Fubara himself, signed the document.
Epelle described this as substantial proof of defection, which lies at the core of the political crisis. He expressed concern that, despite the document originating from the presidency, some individuals continue to publicly deny the defection, making misleading claims.
He said, “A document was put together, and the young man was forcefully asked to sign, and he signed. It is interesting to mention something that is in that document that is evident, that indeed these 27 lawmakers who have created this political logjam have actually defected.
“It was said that Governor Siminalayi would recognize these lawmakers as having defected from PDP to APC. Wike signed that document, Amaewhule signed that document, all the elders, including Siminalayi, signed it. That’s enough concrete evidence. The defection is at the heart of the issue. Yet, it is very disheartening that this document came out of the Presidency, and yet people came out openly to argue, lying through their teeth that these guys never defected. That’s very worrisome.”