As Rivers State remains under a six-month state of emergency following the suspension of its governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a clear warning — without genuine reconciliation with state lawmakers, Fubara risks impeachment.

 

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers, criticized the suspended governor for failing to initiate any peace efforts with the Rivers State House of Assembly, despite the ongoing crisis.

 

“There is no reconciliation effort currently underway in Rivers,” Okocha stated. “Governor Fubara has made no move to mend relations with the lawmakers. Only sincere efforts can save him from impeachment, as the Supreme Court ruling remains binding.”

 

The crisis began on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s legislators, appointing Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period. The upheaval stems from a deepening power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which has fragmented political alliances and crippled governance.

 

Despite closed-door reconciliation meetings facilitated by President Tinubu involving Fubara and Wike, skepticism remains high among APC leaders in the state. Okocha emphasized that any political maneuvering, including speculation of Fubara’s defection to APC, does not absolve him of prior misconduct.

 

“Defecting to APC is not a shield,” he said. “His suspension is a consequence of his actions, not his political affiliation. We won’t allow the party to become a haven for individuals evading accountability.”

 

Okocha added that no official steps have been taken by Fubara to join the party: “He has not contacted me, nor have I received any communication from his ward. If he wants to join APC, there is a proper process.”

 

Addressing recent meetings between Fubara and President Tinubu, Okocha dismissed any implications of political realignment: “It’s the Sallah season. People are paying visits, including Chief Osoba and Wike. The President has the right to meet anyone — that doesn’t translate into party decisions.”

 

Meanwhile, youth groups in Rivers State continue to urge President Tinubu to restore democratic governance and reinstate Governor Fubara ahead of Democracy Day on June 12, a plea that underscores growing public frustration over the prolonged political stalemate.