Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, expressed skepticism about the possibility of reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, predicting that the political rift may persist well into 2025. Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Okocha pointed to Fubara’s failure to extend an olive branch to Wike during the festive period, especially during Wike’s December birthday, as a missed opportunity for peace.
Okocha argued that the ongoing political altercation would not be resolved anytime soon, with Fubara’s refusal to reach out to his predecessor during the festive season being a key factor. “I don’t see Rivers State coming out of this quagmire in 2025. The governor missed an opportunity to make peace during the festive season. What would it have cost him to simply send a congratulatory message or make a brief visit to Wike during Christmas?” Okocha said.
He criticized Fubara for being confrontational rather than seeking reconciliation, adding, “Instead of offering goodwill, the governor is threatening brimstone and fire. I don’t see peace anytime soon because the governor holds the key.”
Okocha Defends Former Governor Odili and Wike’s Role in Rivers Politics
Okocha also commented on the reported altercation between the FCT Minister and former Governor Peter Odili, suggesting that the minister’s remarks were intended as fatherly advice rather than an attack on Odili. According to Okocha, the FCT minister simply advised Odili not to take sides in the ongoing conflict between Wike and Fubara, given his respected position as a father figure in the state.
“If I interpret the FCT minister’s statement correctly, he was merely advising Dr. Peter Odili not to take sides in a dispute between two sons of Rivers State. Odili has long been a respected figure, having brought significant pride to the state, and played a major role in the resource control movement in Nigeria,” Okocha said.
He further added that accusations against Wike, alleging that he intended to turn Rivers into his personal estate, were unfair. Okocha emphasized that Wike never intended to disrespect Odili but that the elder statesman should have acted as a mediator between the two feuding parties.
Okocha Denies Allegations of Joining Governor Fubara’s Camp
Amid the ongoing political tension, Okocha also addressed rumors that he was attempting to join Governor Fubara’s camp. He dismissed the claims as “absolute nonsense,” stating that any reports or photos suggesting he was collaborating with Fubara’s team were simply baseless.
“Anybody who imagines that at my level in politics I would need to meet with Fubara’s team for anything is just hallucinating. If I want to broker a meeting, I would go to Chijioke Ihunwo,” Okocha stressed, rejecting the insinuations outright.
The APC Chairman concluded by reaffirming his stance against aligning with Fubara’s faction and reiterated his commitment to the APC’s mission in Rivers State, despite the ongoing political turmoil.
