Mixed reactions have trailed the decision of Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fubara had in a statement he signed on Wednesday evening said his decision was for peace and stability of the state.

Reacting to the governor’s decision, a former Rivers State House of Assembly aspirant on the platform of APC, Solomon Lenu, said the future of Rivers State has been handed over to a conqueror.

Lenu stated that many people who invested their time, emotions and support throughout the period of the political crisis now feel disappointed and let-down.

“Today is one of those dark days in the history of Rivers State where our destiny seems to have been mortgaged to a conqueror.

“The news has hit the good people of Rivers State like tsunami because Rivers men and women of conscience have invested almost three years into this struggle and at some point we hoped that there was light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Lenu, who alleged external influence in the governor’s decision, accused President Bola Tinubu of misleading Fubara during the political process.

He said the governor chose to withdraw from the race to avoid public disgrace.

On his part, president of South South Youth Initiative (SSYI), Oscar Imeade, expressed disappointment over the decision of the governor to withdraw from the governorship primaries, despite the overwhelming, organic, and voluntary support of the people across the 23 local government areas.

Imeade said: “Leadership is not about personal comfort. It is about responsibility to the people who stood with you when it mattered most.

“From the streets of Port Harcourt to the creeks of Ogoni, Kalabari, Ijaw, and Ikwerre land, Rivers people mobilized, defended, and stood firm for this administration without being hired or coerced. To turn away now is to abandon the very people who made the mandate possible.

“Withdrawing from the race at this critical time leaves the people’s mandate exposed to hijack by forces who do not share their interests. Rivers State cannot afford a leadership vacuum that rewards those who fought against the will of the people.

“The 2023 election in Rivers State was a statement that power belongs to the people. Refusing to re-contest sends the wrong signal that people’s sacrifice and solidarity count for nothing.”