Rivers Emergency Rule a Necessary Evil – APC  

Port Harcourt, Rivers  —  The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the declaration of a state of emergency in the state and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly as an unfortunate but necessary measure.  

Speaking at a press conference held at the APC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s state chairman, Tony Okocha, argued that the security situation in Rivers had deteriorated under Fubara’s leadership. He claimed that youth groups allegedly loyal to the governor were responsible for widespread violence, making opposition figures like himself vulnerable.

According to Okocha, the emergency declaration has led to improved security, allowing political opponents to move freely. He expressed optimism that the intervention would restore stability and create a more conducive political environment.

“One cannot speak with absolute certainty because I am not a prophet, but for the immediate situation, it was a necessary evil. The President’s decision was difficult but unavoidable. If you look at our statement, we acknowledged it as a painful acceptance. It was a tough choice, but it had to be made.

“So, Mr. President’s intervention was necessary. Whether Governor Fubara’s impeachment or suspension is the final step toward peace, I can say with confidence that 90 percent of the political crisis in Rivers has now been resolved,” he stated.

The political crisis in Rivers State has garnered national attention, with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reportedly working behind the scenes to mediate between the warring factions.

Okocha dismissed claims that Wike was exacerbating the conflict, insisting that the former governor was instead trying to stabilize the situation.

He accused Fubara of undermining democratic institutions by sidelining 27 lawmakers and governing with only three. He further alleged that the governor withheld funds meant for the State Assembly and demolished the legislative complex under the guise of renovation, actions he described as undemocratic and a threat to governance.

“The President did not make this decision lightly. You will recall that there was a time when Mr. President invited stakeholders from Rivers State to the State House. Over 150 of us attended that meeting, and I was present. The President spent about 30 minutes urging us to embrace peace.

“The Governor was given the opportunity to speak, and an eight-point resolution was agreed upon. What many may not know is that as each point was read out by former Governor Peter Odili, the President paused to confirm consensus. Each time, we all agreed unanimously.

“It is baffling that some individuals who attended that meeting later returned home and claimed that the Governor was pressured into signing the agreement. There was no coercion whatsoever. The atmosphere was calm, and discussions were held in good faith,” he explained.

Okocha further alleged that certain political figures misled Fubara into resisting the agreement, fueling the crisis. He criticized the Governor’s decision to challenge the President’s authority in court, describing it as a misguided attempt to score political points.

“The only reason our suspended Governor resisted was because some so-called elders misled him, telling him he had made a grave mistake by agreeing to the peace terms. They then proceeded to challenge the President’s authority in court, arguing that the resolution was unconstitutional and purely political,” he added.

The situation in Rivers remains a subject of intense debate, as stakeholders continue to deliberate on the long-term implications of the emergency rule.

By Enoch Odesola | March 28, 2025