The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged offenses cannot be absolved, even if he joins the party. This statement was made by Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

Okocha was responding to questions about Fubara’s recent Sallah visit to President Bola Tinubu and its potential political implications. He emphasized that Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State were due to his “misdemeanors” and not politically motivated.

“If Fubara decides to join the APC, it has nothing to do with the state of emergency in Rivers State. His sins cannot be forgiven just because he joins our party,” Okocha stated. “Joining APC today doesn’t mean your sins are forgiven. That won’t work. It would make the APC a dumping ground for those who commit misdemeanors and seek reconciliation.”

Okocha clarified that Fubara has not approached him regarding defection and would need to follow proper procedures, starting at the ward level. “He will enter the party through the door, not the window. If he claims to be a politician, he knows all politics is local and must defect through his ward,” Okocha added.

Addressing concerns about Fubara’s meeting with President Tinubu, Okocha dismissed any cause for alarm, noting the visit coincided with the Sallah season. “How can I be worried that someone visited my President? I saw that former Ogun State Governor, Chief Osoba, also paid Sallah homage. We cannot dictate who the President meets,” he said, referencing sightings of Tinubu with other political figures, including Nyesom Wike.

Okocha also refuted claims of reconciliatory efforts by Fubara, stating, “There is nothing like that.” The APC remains firm in its stance, maintaining that Fubara’s actions will not be overlooked, regardless of any political maneuvers.