As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to resume office on September 18, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has signaled its willingness to collaborate with him, while affirming its ongoing right to critique his administration.
In a press briefing in Port Harcourt, State APC Chairman Chief Tony Okocha stated:
“The governor who was suspended will return to office on September 18. The APC will work with him when he returns.”
Okocha emphasized cooperation, adding:
“There are states where the governor and assembly members are in different parties, so we are going to work with him.”
He was quick to underline that this partnership does not negate the party’s oversight role:
“However, that will not take away our right to criticise him when he does wrong. But for us, the LG chairmen will work with him, except that we will not agree to vicious policies.”
Okocha contextualized the recent local government elections as groundwork for the 2027 general elections, saying:
“The Rivers State LG election is a prelude to what will happen in 2027.”
He explained the party’s strategic decisions:
“We did not field candidates in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs because we do not have the strength in those areas.”
Reflecting on progress since 2023, he expressed optimism:
“In 2023, APC in Rivers State had no shoes. Now we are wearing psychedelic shoes… We are going to double and redouble our membership for the President.”
Okocha also criticized the opposition:
“PDP is in tatters and people are leaving them in droves for other parties…and we’re privileged to have them.”
Fubara was suspended by President Tinubu in March following a state of emergency in Rivers, during which the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as administrator.
On Saturday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike remarked that with the conclusion of the local government polls, “the coast is now clear” for Fubara’s return.
