The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu�s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a �necessary evil� that has successfully addressed 90% of the political unrest in the region. The party also dismissed calls to suspend Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, maintaining that he was not directly implicated in the turmoil.
Tony Okocha, the chairman of the APC�s caretaker committee in Rivers State, passionately defended Tinubu�s actions during a press briefing at the party�s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. He likened the intervention to a tough but essential medical operation, acknowledging its difficulty but stressing its critical role in restoring stability.
Okocha made these remarks while leading a delegation to meet with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, chaired by Abdullahi Ganduje, to thank the party leadership for its backing throughout the crisis.
When pressed on whether removing Governor Siminialayi Fubara was the only feasible resolution, Okocha insisted, �At that moment, it was unavoidable. The President�s decision, though tough, was a necessary step. Whether it involved impeachment or suspension, I can confidently say today that 90% of the chaos in Rivers State has been quelled. It�s like a hernia�painful to endure and painful to fix, but without surgery, there�s no recovery.�
Responding to suggestions that Wike should face suspension, Okocha argued, �Was he personally involved? No. If his role is being questioned simply because he established the political framework at play, then that�s a different argument. The 32 assembly members were elected with the support of the former Rivers State Governor, now FCT Minister, His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. The assembly and governorship elections happened simultaneously, and we all know what transpired. That same framework also propelled the current governor into office. So, if Wike is to be tied to this crisis, it�s only because of that connection.�
Okocha further lambasted Fubara�s leadership, calling him a �poor political investment.� He added, �When you invest in something, do you just let it fall apart? In politics, as in economics, no one allows their structure to crumble willingly. These individuals are all part of the same party. We in the APC are merely onlookers, while they remain within the PDP.�
