Rivers APC Rejects Fubara, Says Party Not a Dumping Ground for Political Sinners

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has stated that it will not serve as a refuge for embattled politicians, warning that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged political sins will not be forgiven simply because he may want to join the party.

State APC Chairman, Sir Tony Okocha, made this clear on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing questions about Fubara’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu during the Eid celebrations and the political undertones it sparked.

Okocha emphasized that Fubara’s suspension and the call for a state of emergency in Rivers State were based solely on his actions, not party affiliations.

“If Fubara decides to join the APC, it has nothing to do with the state of emergency in Rivers. His sins cannot be wiped clean just because he crosses over to our party,” Okocha said. “We are not a dumping ground for politicians trying to escape accountability.”

He noted that the governor has not initiated any formal defection process, stating that proper procedures must be followed, starting from his ward level.

“He will enter the party through the door, not the window. I have asked our ward chairmen, and no one has received any information or indication that Fubara wants to join the APC.”

On whether Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu should be seen as a cause for concern, Okocha dismissed the idea entirely.

“How can I be worried that someone visited the president? It was the Sallah season. Other leaders, including Chief Osoba and even Nyesom Wike, also visited. The president is not restricted on who he can see.”

Okocha also rejected claims that Governor Fubara is making any moves towards reconciliation amid the political crisis in the state.

“I am not aware of any reconciliatory steps being taken by Fubara or his team. No such effort has reached us. Even though the president has advised him to go and make peace, there’s been no action in that direction,” he added.