Tony Okocha also criticized the committee set up to probe the violence following the inauguration of 23 council chairmen, claiming its terms of reference overlooked the burning of the APC secretariat.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The political structure of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains unshaken in Rivers State, according to Tony Okocha, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Okocha downplayed the ongoing rift between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that the governor cannot dismantle the political foundation Wike built during his time in office. He further accused Fubara of fueling the crisis in the state.
Governor Fubara, however, denied the allegations, emphasizing that his primary focus is safeguarding Rivers State’s interests and upholding justice. Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year and Re-Dedication Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s, Anglican Communion, in Port Harcourt, the governor stressed that weakening state institutions would not be tolerated.
In his remarks, Fubara warned judicial officers against compromising justice in favor of political benefactors. “God will judge partisan judicial officers dancing to the tune of paymasters,” he said.
Okocha reiterated his belief that Wike’s political influence would remain solid for years. “No politician will allow his structure to be dismantled. When you do that, it means you have no home to fall back on. Wike made it possible for Fubara to emerge as governor,” he said.
Okocha also criticized the committee set up to probe the violence following the inauguration of 23 council chairmen, claiming its terms of reference overlooked the burning of the APC secretariat. He predicted that the APC would take over Rivers State by 2027 and praised Wike’s strategic alliances.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara vowed to defend the state’s judicial system, arguing that institutional strength is critical for development. He noted that weakened institutions deter investment and pledged to protect the integrity of the state’s judiciary, calling on judges to dispense justice fairly.
Fubara praised the state’s judiciary for their resilience despite threats and urged them to continue standing firm against attempts to undermine justice. He assured that under his administration, the judiciary would see more success.
In his address, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, warned against the rising trend of conflicting court judgments and called on those involved to remember their divine accountability.
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