The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will work with Governor Siminalayi Fubara when he returns to office on September 18, following the expiration of the six-month state of emergency in the state.
APC state chairman Tony Okocha gave the assurance in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while appreciating residents, the party’s national leadership, and President Bola Tinubu for their support during the just-concluded local government elections, where the APC secured 20 chairmanship seats.
Okocha said the party expects a smooth working relationship with the governor and the State Assembly, but cautioned that the APC will not hesitate to speak out if Fubara’s administration engages in what he described as “obnoxious acts”.
He also revealed that the APC did not field candidates in Obio-Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt City councils out of recognition of the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The three councils were won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The chairman added that the APC was intensifying efforts to expand its dominance in Rivers State and urged opposition leaders, including Wike, to join the party for what he called “absolute peace” in the state.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18. The unprecedented move resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for an initial period of six months
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the period of the state of emergency.
The President cited the need to address both the political instability and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism that threatened national economic interests.
Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade
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