APC Defends Tinubu State Of Emergency In Rivers Calls It A Necessary Evil

APC Defends Tinubu State Of Emergency In Rivers Calls It A Necessary Evil

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated its full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as a “necessary evil” that has resolved about 90% of the state’s political crisis. The party also dismissed calls for the suspension of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, arguing that he was not directly involved in the ongoing issues…READ MORE….

Speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Tony Okocha, the chairman of the party’s caretaker committee in Rivers, strongly defended Tinubu’s intervention. Okocha likened the decision to a critical medical procedure, explaining that while it was painful, it was the only solution to restoring order.

Okocha responded to questions about Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s removal, stating, “In the immediate term, it was necessary. The President’s decision was a necessary evil. Whether through impeachment or suspension, I can confidently say that 90% of the crisis in Rivers has been resolved. It was an unavoidable step, much like the painful surgery needed to treat a hernia.”

Regarding the suggestion that Wike should also face suspension, Okocha refuted the idea, stating that Wike was not directly involved in the crisis. He clarified, “If Wike is to be linked to the crisis, it would only be because he built the political structure that led to the election of the governor and the assembly members.”

Okocha also criticized Fubara’s leadership, labeling him a “weak political investment.” He argued that political structures, much like economic investments, cannot be easily abandoned when they begin to collapse.

In response to calls for Wike’s suspension, Okocha emphasized that Wike had been actively involved in efforts to restore peace, but criticized the former governor for becoming overly ambitious, letting his power grow uncontrollably. Okocha also referenced Wike’s public display of authority with a red pen, noting, “I’m not sure if that red pen still has any influence or if it will last for another six months.