In a dramatic and firm statement, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has made it clear that any party member who embarrasses President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will be swiftly expelled. The warning was issued by the state’s APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, during a press briefing on Sunday, which coincided with his birthday celebrations and included the distribution of palliative materials to vulnerable widows in his community.
Okocha’s remarks came amid growing tensions between the APC and the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, a key political figure in the state. The APC chairman went on to accuse Governor Fubara of destabilising the ruling party by making moves to undermine its national leadership, despite having no current affiliation with any political party.
“You know that the day I was sworn into office, I extended an olive branch to everybody,” Okocha began, addressing reporters in Port Harcourt. “I said, let us work together. But when it becomes impossible and they start embarrassing the President, I won’t sit down and allow it. The APC is Mr. President’s political party, and we must defend it.”
Okocha did not mince words as he warned party members that any action seen as undermining the APC leadership, particularly at the national level, would lead to immediate expulsion. “If they think they have the law or money to embarrass the national secretariat of our party, I will not sit down and allow them to do that. If the kitchen is too hot, they should leave.”
Governor Fubara: A Man Without a Party
Okocha’s comments also touched on the controversial position of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who, according to the APC leader, is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC chairman boldly declared that Fubara is neither a member of the PDP nor any other political party in Rivers State.
“If elections were held today, the PDP would not sponsor Fubara,” Okocha said. “He is not a member of the PDP, and in fact, he’s not a member of any party. He needs to re-register himself with the PDP if he intends to return to politics under their banner.”
The comments mark the latest development in the ongoing political drama between the APC and Fubara, who has come under fire from the ruling party for allegedly supporting actions that could weaken the national leadership. While Fubara was once a member of the PDP, Okocha insists that the governor has distanced himself from the party, and his future political prospects are in jeopardy.
Fubara’s Alleged Disruption of the APC
A key aspect of Okocha’s criticism centred on allegations that Governor Fubara was using state resources to destabilise the APC, with particular focus on undermining the party’s position in Rivers State. Okocha claimed that the governor had been working behind the scenes to cause disruptions within the APC, pointing to legal proceedings and political manoeuvres that he said were aimed at embarrassing President Tinubu and the APC’s NWC.
Okocha also referred to a recent court ruling by Justice Obomanu, which he claimed had connections to Fubara’s actions. “I would have been surprised if I was not taken to task on the issue of the court judgement delivered by one Justice Obomanu,” Okocha explained. “He is one of the newest judges, and he comes from Opobo, the same town as the governor. I pray for him that he changes his style, or else the wrath of God may descend.”
This statement suggests deepening animosity between Okocha and Fubara, with the APC chairman accusing the governor of orchestrating a series of moves to destabilise both the party and the state’s political landscape.
Political Tensions Rise in Rivers State
The war of words between the Rivers APC and Governor Fubara is part of a broader trend of rising political tensions within the state, where the APC has often struggled to maintain control. The state has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP, and the relationship between the two parties has been marked by intense rivalry.
Governor Fubara’s position in this volatile political climate has drawn significant attention. Since his emergence as the governor of Rivers State, there have been ongoing rumours and speculations about his true political allegiance. While he is officially a member of the PDP, there have been mounting allegations that he is distancing himself from the party’s national leadership.
For the APC, the stakes are high. The party’s leadership is keen to ensure that it maintains control over Rivers State as a key region for its future political prospects. As part of his strategy, Okocha is evidently attempting to consolidate support within the APC ranks while simultaneously sending a stern message to any potential dissidents who might undermine the party’s goals.
PDP’s Role in Fubara’s Political Future
Despite Okocha’s claims that Fubara is no longer a member of the PDP, the governor’s future political plans remain uncertain. Fubara has not publicly addressed the allegations of disloyalty to his party, and many are wondering whether he will be able to re-align himself with the PDP or if he will find a new political home.
One question that looms large is whether Fubara will try to seek re-entry into the PDP if his standing within the APC continues to weaken. Should he decide to return to the PDP fold, it remains to be seen whether the party would accept him back, given the growing rift between him and some of its national leaders.