The political turmoil gripping Rivers State is poised to continue into 2025, according to Tony Okocha, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking candidly during a live broadcast of The Morning Show on Arise News on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Okocha attributed the unyielding crisis to the unwillingness of key players to reconcile.
Fubara-Wike Standoff Remains Unresolved
Responding to a question from anchor Dr. Reuben Abati on whether the discord between Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, could be resolved to refocus on governance, Okocha painted a grim picture.
“I do not see Rivers State coming out of this quagmire in 2025,” he stated. “Even the yuletide season, which traditionally offers an opportunity for reconciliation, failed to bridge the divide. A simple congratulatory visit from the Governor to his predecessor could have set the tone for peace, but instead, we saw more hostility.”
Okocha criticized Governor Fubara for his refusal to extend an olive branch, suggesting that his approach has only exacerbated the situation.
Peter Odili’s Role Questioned
The program also delved into the role of Sir Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State and respected elder statesman. Co-anchor Ayo Mario Ese asked if Odili’s Christmas message, which commended Fubara for “taming Wike’s excesses,” was appropriate given his position as a neutral mediator.
Okocha responded by defending Wike’s interpretation of Odili’s actions.
“If I am to interpret what Wike said,” Okocha noted, “it is simply that a father figure, like Odili, should not take sides when his children are at odds. Odili’s actions have undermined his long-held respect in the state. He failed to leverage his influence to foster unity and instead chose a partisan stance.”
President Tinubu’s Attempt at Reconciliation
Okocha also highlighted the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who convened a meeting to mediate the dispute.
“The President presented an eight-point agenda for reconciliation,” he explained. “However, rather than following through on the President’s counsel, Odili appeared to take sides. Wike, on the other hand, has been misrepresented in this crisis. His statements have been analyzed devoid of sentiment, and he remains adamant about not apologizing to anyone.”
Rivers State’s Elders Marginalized
Okocha lamented the diminishing role of elders in the state’s political landscape.
“The Governor once declared that Rivers State has no elders,” he said. “This disregard has eroded the voices of those who could have acted as mediators. Meanwhile, Wike has accused Fubara of turning the state into a personal estate, a claim that has only fueled tensions.”
Outlook for 2025
With both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike entrenched in their positions, the Rivers State political crisis shows no signs of abating. The APC Chairman’s remarks underscore the deep-seated divisions that continue to overshadow governance in the state, leaving residents and stakeholders yearning for stability.
As Rivers State braces for another turbulent year, the need for effective dialogue and genuine reconciliation has never been more urgent.
