Port Harcourt Motor Parts Dealers Disown Pastor Over Anti-Fubara Claim

The Executive Council of the Port Harcourt Motor Parts Dealers Union, Ikokwu, Rivers State, has strongly condemned a media report attributed to Pastor Festus Onyenwe alleging that Governor Siminalayi Fubara does not care about the Igbo community in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the union declared that Onyenwe lacked the mandate to speak on its behalf or represent Ndi-Igbo in Rivers State.
The statement was jointly signed by Mr. Vincent Ignatius Onwuzuruike, Line Chairman and Zonal Leader of the union; Mr. Ikenna Nwokomgbe, Chairman of the Dickson/Ihioma Union; and Mr. Charles Uzochukwu Opia, Chairman of the 7B Line Union.
“He did not get the mandate of the union to make such a purported statement and cannot speak for Ndi-Igbo in Rivers State. He does not have the consent and authority of the union to make such baseless statements against the governor,” the union stated.
‘Rivers Is Home to Ndi-Igbo’
The traders reaffirmed their apolitical stance, stressing that their primary concern remains the safety, unity and development of Rivers State.
“Rivers State is home to Ndi-Igbo anytime, any day, and we are committed to its development, peace, and unity,” the statement read.
The union also acknowledged the efforts of the state government and the intervention of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Rivers State chapter, in ensuring that Governor Fubara recognizes the significant economic contributions of Igbo residents in the state.
Reaffirming Support for Government Initiatives
The Ikokwu traders emphasised that they would not allow any individual to undermine what they described as productive engagement between the Igbo community and the state government.
“We shall not sit back and watch any individual sabotage the highly productive efforts recorded so far. We are aware of the commitment of the governor to ensure that our needs are met, and we will not take it for granted,” the statement added.
The union reiterated its support for policies and initiatives aimed at driving economic growth in Rivers State, noting that Igbo traders — including members of the Ikokwu Motor Spare Parts Dealers — remain vital stakeholders in the state’s economy.
Public Urged to Disregard Allegation
Describing Onyenwe’s alleged remarks as baseless and without merit, the union urged members of the public to disregard the statement in its entirety.
The development underscores ongoing political sensitivities in Rivers State, as community groups move swiftly to clarify positions and maintain unity among residents.