The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has voiced its apprehension over what it perceives as the partial implementation of the December 2023 agreement aimed at resolving the political crisis in the state.
While acknowledging Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s execution of six out of the eight resolutions, the APC highlights his alleged reluctance to address two critical aspects of the agreement: the re-presentation of the state’s 2024 budget to the House of Assembly and the conduct of local government elections.
In a statement, Tony Okocha, the APC Chairman in Rivers State, expressed concern that the governor’s failure to fully honor the agreement has placed the state in a precarious situation. Okocha accused Governor Fubara of being influenced by a “purported elders forum” to sidestep the full execution of the resolutions.
In response, the state’s Information and Communications Commissioner, Joe Johnson, countered Okocha’s claims, questioning his focus on the two unresolved resolutions and accusing him of misleading the public. Johnson emphasized the governor’s recall and redeployment of resigned commissioners, as well as the payment of allowances owed to members of the State House Assembly.
Okocha’s criticism extended to questioning the governor’s leadership style, suggesting that Fubara’s rise to power, propelled by the influence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has led to a failure in upholding agreements “reached in the bedroom.”
The APC chairman expressed dismay at the delay in implementing the pact in its entirety, viewing it as a disregard for the President and other political stakeholders involved in the agreement. He hinted at the party’s consideration of legal action to ensure compliance with the agreement, underscoring its commitment to stabilizing the political climate in Rivers State.
The resolutions, agreed upon in December, were intended to address the political crisis in the state. However, the APC’s dissatisfaction with the partial implementation underscores ongoing tensions and challenges in Rivers State’s political landscape.
