Group Condemns Alleged Smear Campaign Against Sen. Mbata, Backs Fubara, Tinubu

The Apara Unity Forum (AUF) has condemned what it described as a malicious and politically motivated press statement allegedly targeted at its Grand Patron, Senator John Azuta Mbata, calling on the public to disregard the claims.

The condemnation followed an extraordinary emergency general meeting of the forum held on January 10, 2026, at Rumuigbo Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where members reviewed the prevailing political developments in the state, Obio/Akpor LGA and Apara Kingdom.

In a statement signed by its President General, Eze Sir Billy Owhonda, the AUF said it viewed with grave concern a press statement issued on January 9, 2026, by one Chief Alex Wele, purportedly on behalf of a group identified as the Apara Committee of Friends (ACF).

The forum described the group as a fringe organisation that has, in its words, “lost political relevance and resorted to crisis-stoking, manipulation and inflammatory rhetoric.”

The AUF rejected allegations contained in the statement, including claims that Senator Mbata is a land grabber, describing them as baseless, defamatory and aimed at misleading the public.

It noted that Senator Mbata, who is the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an entrepreneur of international standing, has built a reputation as a construction expert, respected politician and philanthropist.

The forum urged members of the public to ignore the claims, attributing the statement to jealousy and political frustration.

AUF also used the opportunity to encourage Senator Mbata to remain steadfast in his support for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, while congratulating the governor on his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In addition, the group cautioned the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Martin Amaewhule, over what it described as an unprovoked impeachment notice served on Governor Fubara, advising lawmakers to exercise restraint in order to prevent overheating the polity.

The forum further declared its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for second terms in office, urging both leaders to present themselves for re-election in 2027.