The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, has defended the state of emergency declaration in Rivers, stating that suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly was a “necessary evil” to restore stability.Speaking at a press conference at APC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Okocha accused Fubara of enabling unrest, alleging that youths loyal to the governor were responsible for bombings and violence. He claimed that before the intervention, opposition figures like himself were “endangered species” due to the deteriorating security situation.> “The President’s decision was a necessary evil. It was painful, but we had to accept it. If you look at the situation today, 90% of the political crisis in Rivers has been resolved,” Okocha stated.Rivers Political Crisis and Wike’s RoleThe Rivers State political crisis has drawn national attention, with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike actively involved in peace efforts. Okocha refuted claims that Wike was escalating tensions, instead arguing that he was working to stabilize the situation.He criticized Fubara for undermining democratic institutions, alleging that he sidelined 27 lawmakers, worked with only three legislators, withheld funds from the State Assembly, and demolished the Assembly complex under the guise of renovation.> “Before the emergency declaration, Rivers was on the brink of political anarchy. Governance was at a standstill, and the legislative arm was comatose,” Okocha said.Presidential Intervention and Political FalloutOkocha revealed that President Bola Tinubu had convened a meeting of over 150 stakeholders at the State House to resolve the crisis. During the meeting, an eight-point resolution was agreed upon, with former Governor Peter Odili reading the decisions aloud.> “At every paragraph read, the President paused and asked, ‘Is this what you agreed?’ And we all affirmed, ‘Yes.’ There was no duress, no pressure. The Governor signed willingly,” he said.Okocha criticized those who later claimed Fubara signed the agreement under coercion, accusing them of seeking political advantage. He also condemned attempts to challenge the President’s authority in court, arguing that the intervention was a constitutional and political necessity to restore order.With the state of emergency in effect, Okocha expressed optimism that normalcy would soon return to Rivers State, paving the way for a more stable political environment.