Tension Mounts as Rivers State APC and Government Clash Over Allegations

Tensions have escalated between the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and the state government, following contentious remarks made by the APC CTC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

In a recent media briefing in Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha criticized Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a federal lawmaker from Imo State, for his support of Governor Fubara’s administration, which Okocha claimed is in a state of ‘coma.’ Okocha further accused Ugochinyere of meddling in Rivers State politics, urging him to focus on issues in his home state.

The Rivers State APC chairman also denounced Ugochinyere’s comments on the state’s political landscape, labeling them as falsehoods. He demanded an apology from the federal lawmaker within 48 hours for allegedly supporting a government that Okocha perceives as ineffective.

In response, Dr. Darlington Oji, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Political Affairs and Strategy, dismissed Okocha’s remarks as laughable and baseless. Oji defended the Fubara administration, highlighting its commitment to pro-people projects and infrastructure development.

Oji emphasized the administration’s dedication to improving the lives of Rivers people through initiatives such as the approval of a significant road project and investment in human capital development. He reiterated the government’s efforts in addressing civil service needs, including promotions, payment of gratuities, and pension arrears.

Regarding the controversy surrounding the status of the state House of Assembly, which Okocha accused Ugochinyere of meddling in, Oji acknowledged the matter’s presence in court but questioned Okocha’s authority to speak on behalf of the assembly. He reaffirmed the government’s focus on governance despite distractions.