The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “necessary evil” that has resolved 90% of the political crisis and prevented anarchy.
Speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Rivers State APC caretaker committee chairman, Tony Okocha, said the move, which led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, was essential to stabilizing the state.
Rivers has faced political turmoil for nearly two years due to a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Fubara. In response, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected state assembly members for six months. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new state administrator.
Okocha praised the decision, saying, “The state of emergency saved Rivers from anarchy. Before it, people like us could barely leave certain places out of fear. When non-state actors wield weapons and incite lawlessness, action is needed. It was like a painful operation to remove a hernia—necessary for long-term relief.”
He also cleared Wike of any wrongdoing, arguing that while the former governor had political influence over the state, he was not directly involved in the crisis.
Addressing criticism of Fubara’s suspension, Okocha said, “Politics is like an investment—you don’t let your structure collapse. Fubara became too powerful and started believing he alone had control, even boasting about his ‘red pen’ of authority. But leadership requires more than just executive power.”
He welcomed the lawsuit filed by PDP governors challenging Tinubu’s declaration, stating that a Supreme Court ruling would help set a legal precedent on the issue.
Reacting to concerns from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okocha questioned why legal bodies remained silent when the Rivers State Assembly complex was bombed. “It’s good that they’re going to court. Let’s allow the Supreme Court to decide on the president’s actions,” he added.
