APC Chairman Accuses Rivers Governor of Delaying Peace Agreement Implementation

Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of prolonging the implementation of an eight-point resolution aimed at resolving the political crisis in the state. The crisis, which escalated in October 2023, saw tensions rise when 27 lawmakers, purportedly loyal to Fubara’s predecessor, threatened to impeach the governor, culminating in the burning of the State House of Assembly Complex.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu intervened and facilitated a peace agreement to restore calm. However, Okocha expressed concern over the delay in executing the agreement, stating that it undermines political stability in Rivers State and disrespects the President and other political actors.

Delving into the history of the crisis, Okocha highlighted the deliberate attempt to disrupt legislative proceedings by burning the State House of Assembly Complex. He recounted President Tinubu’s intervention, which led to a consensus among stakeholders on an eight-point proclamation document aimed at restoring peace.

Okocha lamented Governor Fubara’s alleged deviation from the agreement, particularly concerning the re-presentation of the state budget before the 27 lawmakers and the conduct of local government elections. Despite the governor’s implementation of six out of the eight resolutions, Okocha criticized his failure to act on these crucial points.

He emphasized the need for adherence to constitutional processes and agreements to ensure stability and progress in the state, threatening legal action to compel compliance.

In response, Rivers’ Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mr. Joe Johnson, defended Governor Fubara’s actions, citing progress made in implementing six out of the eight resolutions agreed upon. Johnson questioned Okocha’s focus on the remaining two resolutions and urged him to prioritize his responsibilities at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Johnson emphasized Governor Fubara’s commitment to implementing the resolutions gradually and criticized Okocha for what he described as “chasing shadows.”