The political landscape of Rivers State, Nigeria, is embroiled in controversy surrounding the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tony Okocha, the Rivers State Chairman of the APC, has firmly stated that Fubara must face the legal consequences of his actions, regardless of any party affiliation. Okocha emphasized that the alleged offenses committed by Fubara are not political in nature but rather against the people of Rivers State, as determined by a Supreme Court judgment. This unwavering stance underscores the APC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding individuals accountable for their actions, irrespective of their political standing.
Okocha’s declaration came during a press conference at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed the ongoing situation in Rivers State. He highlighted the gravity of the allegations against Fubara, stating that the suspended governor’s potential entry into the APC would not absolve him of his alleged wrongdoings. The APC chairman categorically rejected the notion that the party would serve as a haven for politicians seeking to evade accountability. He stressed that any potential reconciliation must be genuine and address the core issues at hand, not merely serve as a political maneuver. This reinforces the message that accountability is paramount and cannot be circumvented through party switching.
Furthermore, Okocha addressed a presidential directive calling for reconciliation in Rivers State. He revealed that, despite the directive, no substantive reconciliation efforts were underway. He pointed to Fubara’s lack of initiative in pursuing reconciliation with the state lawmakers, a step he deemed crucial for resolving the ongoing political impasse. Okocha emphasized that only a genuine reconciliation process, addressing the root causes of the conflict, could potentially avert Fubara’s impeachment in light of the Supreme Court judgment. This underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues and pursuing a genuine resolution rather than simply papering over the cracks.
Addressing the Rivers APC leadership’s stance on Fubara’s meetings with the President, Okocha downplayed any concerns, stating that the party is not worried about these interactions. He reiterated that the APC is not a “dumping ground” for politicians seeking refuge from legal repercussions. He emphasized that Fubara, like any other prospective member, would have to follow the established procedures for joining the party, starting from his ward level. This underscores the principle of due process and equal application of party rules regardless of an individual’s political stature.
Okocha also clarified the context of Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He asserted that these actions were not politically motivated but were a direct consequence of the alleged misdemeanours. He dismissed Fubara’s claim that the president’s declaration of a state of emergency saved his position, emphasizing that the Supreme Court judgment had already declared a lack of effective government in Rivers State. The state of emergency, according to Okocha, was a necessary measure to address the governance vacuum created by the situation. This clarifies the sequence of events and the rationale behind the state of emergency, decoupling it from any political maneuvering.
In concluding his remarks, Okocha reiterated his firm stance on accountability, emphasizing that Fubara’s potential entry into the APC would not erase his alleged past actions. He stressed that Fubara must be held responsible for his alleged misdeeds. Okocha’s pronouncements underscore the APC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within its ranks, sending a clear message that political affiliation does not provide immunity from legal consequences. This reinforces the principle of accountability and the importance of due process within the party structure.
