Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, spoke out on Friday, urging critics to refrain from misrepresenting the ongoing crisis in the state. He emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a political investment of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Okocha made these comments during a media briefing at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He expressed his frustration with biased media portrayals and called for a more balanced narrative regarding the political situation in Rivers.
I am embarrassed every time I hear the radio discussions that present a one sided view of the situation, he stated. The conversations surrounding the crisis in Rivers are skewed. Some are blaming the APC and even involving the FCT Minister in this crisis. It’s crucial that we share our perspective.
He acknowledged that some may question why Wike, having served for eight years, would not allow someone else to govern. However, he insisted that this narrative misses the mark. Nobody makes an investment and walks away; it leads to failure. Governor Fubara is Wike’s political investment, as he was lifted from obscurity to the governorship position, Okocha explained.
Okocha also criticized Governor Fubara for disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and a court order instructing him to resubmit the 2024 budget to the Martins Amaewhule led State House of Assembly. He accused Fubara of allowing his loyalists to undermine the president’s authority through threats and attempts at blackmail.
There was an intervention by the President through an eight-point agenda, stating that the governor was wrong to present the budget to a four member assembly instead of the full 27, Okocha noted. Fubara agreed to abide by the president’s guidance during their meeting, which was intended for reconciliation.
Despite this agreement, Okocha lamented that Fubara did not implement the president’s directives or the court’s ruling to resubmit the budget. He cautioned against the implications of running a state without a budget, deeming it dangerous for Rivers State’s governance.
Some are now trying to twist the narrative, labeling those who obtained the recent judgment as enemies of Rivers. But can a governor operate without a budget? It poses significant risks for our state, he warned.
Okocha concluded by urging stakeholders to focus on unity and collaboration to address the pressing issues facing Rivers State. He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to ensure the effective governance of the state and to foster a positive environment for its residents.
