Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has revealed that he went into hiding over fears for his safety before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Okocha praised Tinubu’s intervention, stating that it prevented a breakdown of law and order.
Fear of Violence Forced Me Into Hiding – Okocha
Okocha, a staunch ally of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the situation in Rivers had become dire before the President’s action.
"People like us could hardly leave certain places because we were hiding for fear of the unknown. Non-state actors were brandishing guns, making statements that pointed to anarchy. We all knew there was a looming problem before the President intervened," he said.
He dismissed critics of the emergency rule, arguing that Tinubu’s decision was timely and necessary.
"Some of those now condemning the President would have blamed him if he did nothing and things got out of hand. Rivers State is crucial to Nigeria’s economy, and allowing chaos here would have been disastrous," Okocha stated.
Emergency Rule a ‘Necessary Evil’ – Okocha
The APC chieftain described the emergency declaration as a "necessary evil" that has restored security and stability.
"Since the emergency rule was declared, security has improved. Opposition members like me can now move freely without fear," he said.
He also revealed that Wike had been making behind-the-scenes efforts to reconcile with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom he accused of being misled by self-serving politicians.
Okocha Blames Fubara for Political Crisis
Okocha criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly undermining democracy by sidelining 27 state lawmakers and dealing with only three.
"The governor ignored 27 lawmakers, withheld the Assembly’s finances, and demolished the Assembly complex under the guise of renovation—all without notice. Running a government with just 12.5% of legislators is unheard of in a democracy," he said.
He backed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s decision to challenge the emergency rule at the Supreme Court, saying it would strengthen Nigeria’s legal system. He also called out the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for remaining silent when the Assembly complex was allegedly demolished on Fubara’s orders.
Okocha’s remarks highlight the deep political tensions in Rivers State, with the APC framing Tinubu’s emergency rule as a crucial step to prevent chaos. The situation remains volatile as legal and political battles continue.
