Kehinde Fajobi
Tony Okocha, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Rivers State, has warned that the ongoing political turmoil in the state is unlikely to be resolved this year.
The crisis, fueled by a rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has destabilised governance in the state.
Okocha predicted that 2025 may witness even greater political unrest in Rivers.
“I do not see Rivers come out of this quagmire,” Okocha stated during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on January 7, 2025.
He criticised Fubara for exacerbating tensions in the state instead of fostering unity.
He added that the governor missed an opportunity to make peace with Wike, his predecessor, during the festive season.
“The yuletide season provided even enemies opportunities to pay visits to one another and resolve their issues,” Okocha said.
“What would it have taken anybody to congratulate your boss on his birthday? It does not take anything away from him by my understanding and assessment.”
Okocha noted that if Fubara truly sought peace, he could have visited Wike on his 57th birthday in December 2024 or extended a festive greeting.
“A governor who wants peace can just drive to the minister’s house to greet him on Christmas day and I am sure nobody would chase him away,” Okocha said.
“Instead of doing that, he is threatening brimstones and fire… I don’t see peace anytime close.”