APC Chairman Tony Okocha Slams Suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara: “Joining APC Won’t Forgive Your Sins”

Rivers State, Nigeria – In a fiery statement that has further escalated the political turmoil in Rivers State, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, has lambasted the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that defecting to the APC will not absolve him of his alleged wrongdoings. The remarks, made during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, come amid heightened tensions following Fubara’s suspension and ongoing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Okocha, a staunch ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike, dismissed speculations that Fubara was planning to defect to the APC as a means of escaping accountability. “Let me make it abundantly clear: the APC is not a dumping ground for political fugitives,” Okocha declared. “Even if Fubara joins the APC, his sins will not be forgiven. He must face the consequences of his actions.”

The APC chairman clarified that Fubara’s suspension and the impeachment process were not politically motivated but were instead a response to what he described as the governor’s “misdemeanours.” While Okocha did not delve into specific allegations, sources within the state’s political circles suggest that Fubara’s fallout with the state assembly, dominated by lawmakers loyal to Wike, centers on accusations of financial mismanagement, disregard for legislative authority, and failure to implement key state policies.

Okocha urged Fubara to seek reconciliation with the state lawmakers to halt the impeachment process. “The path to redemption lies in humility and dialogue,” he said. “If Fubara truly wants to salvage his governorship, he should engage with the assembly, address their concerns, and show commitment to the people of Rivers State. Running to the APC or any other party will not shield him from accountability.”

The political crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, locked in a bitter power struggle. The rift, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, has divided the state’s political landscape, with the state assembly emerging as a battleground. The assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has accused Fubara of undermining its authority, while Fubara’s supporters claim the lawmakers are being manipulated by Wike to destabilize the governor’s administration.

Fubara’s suspension, announced by the assembly last week, was based on allegations of gross misconduct and violation of the constitution. The move has sparked protests across the state, with pro-Fubara groups accusing the assembly of executing a “witch-hunt” orchestrated by Wike. Meanwhile, Wike has remained silent on the matter, fueling speculation about his role in the unfolding drama.

Okocha’s comments have added fuel to the already volatile situation, with political analysts warning that the crisis could further destabilize governance in Rivers State. “This is a critical moment for the state,” said Dr. Amaka Owhor, a political commentator based in Port Harcourt. “The public war of words between Okocha and Fubara risks deepening the divide and eroding public confidence in the state’s leadership.”

The APC chairman also took a swipe at Fubara’s supporters, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the governor’s alleged defection to the APC. “Those peddling such rumors are only trying to create confusion,” Okocha said. “The APC is a party of discipline and principle. We will not harbor anyone seeking to escape justice.”

As the impeachment process moves forward, all eyes are on Fubara’s next move. Sources close to the governor indicate that he is exploring legal options to challenge the assembly’s actions, while others suggest he may seek a political resolution to preserve his governorship. However, with the APC firmly closing its doors and the assembly showing no signs of relenting, Fubara’s political future hangs in the balance.

The crisis has also raised concerns about its potential impact on the 2027 general elections, with Rivers State being a key battleground for both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Political observers believe that the outcome of this power struggle could reshape the state’s political landscape for years to come.

For now, the people of Rivers State remain caught in the crossfire of this high-stakes political drama, as Okocha’s blistering remarks underscore the deepening rift between the state’s key political actors. Whether Fubara can navigate this storm and emerge unscathed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road to reconciliation will not be an easy one.