The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will return to office on September 18, 2025, following his six-month suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The party also expressed its readiness to work with the governor upon his return, but warned that it would not hesitate to criticise or oppose any policies it considers harmful to the people of the state.
This was made known on Tuesday, September 2, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt addressed by the state APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.
According to Okocha, the party is prepared to engage constructively with Governor Fubara and support his administration where necessary, while also playing its role as a political watchdog.
“The governor who was suspended will return to office on September 18. The APC will work with him when he returns,” Okocha said.
He added, “There are states where the governor and members of the state assembly are from different parties, so this is not new. We are going to work with him. However, that will not take away our right to criticise him when he does wrong.”
Okocha further stated that the party’s support would not be extended to “vicious policies” and that the local government chairmen aligned with the APC would only cooperate with the governor in the interest of peace and good governance.
“Let it be clear — the LG chairmen will work with him, but we will not accept or support any vicious or anti-people policies,” he said.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended from office on March 18, 2025, by President Tinubu, who also declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The decision came amid months of political tension, protests, and claims of insecurity and breakdown of law and order in the state.
In addition to suspending Fubara, the federal government also suspended the Deputy Governor, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and appointed a sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period.
The move generated widespread reactions across the country. Some saw it as a necessary step to stabilise the state, while others criticised it as a violation of democratic principles and state autonomy.
Six months later, the federal government appears to be ready to restore normal governance in the state, with Governor Fubara expected to resume office on September 18.
Fubara, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has had a turbulent tenure so far, marked by power struggles, legislative conflicts, and protests by political opponents.
The Rivers APC, although in the opposition, appears to be softening its stance. Chief Okocha’s statement suggests the party is now willing to collaborate with the governor, provided he delivers good governance and avoids controversial or harsh policies.
This development could signal a new political arrangement in the state, where opposition parties play a cooperative but critical role in governance.
Okocha concluded by saying that Rivers APC is committed to peace, development, and democracy in the state.
“Rivers people want progress, and we will do our part to ensure that the state moves forward,” he said.
