The coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative, a political arm of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State formed by ex-governor Nyesom Wike, have announced their withdrawal from the initiative.
The GDI coordinators in 12 local government areas revealed the development on Monday when they paid a courtesy visit to Wike’s successor and estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The GDI coordinators were led by Collins Onunwo, who was the coordinator for the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
According to Onunwo, the GDI played a major role in Wike’s election as governor but the coordinators have now decided to dump the platform and team up with Fubara in the overall interest of the state.
There is currently an undercurrent of acrimony between Wike and Fubara.
Their relationship broke down last year as revealed by an attempt by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike to impeach Fubara.
Wike accused Fubara of destroying his political structure only a few months after taking the reins of power.
The coordinators who dumped the GDI were from Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Port Harcourt City, Opobo/Nkoro, Gokana, Bonny, Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Oyigbo, Asari-Toru, and Akuku-Toru local government areas.
Speaking to newsmen after their meeting with Fubara, Onunwo, a former Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, said the key mission of the GDI was to protect, defend and promote the interest of Rivers State and its people.
He stated, “We want the public, Rivers people and all Nigerians to know that GDI is the group founded by the former governor and now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike. That group brought him to power in 2015 and supported his ambition in 2019. That group is his strength.
