The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) over its recent demand for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resign or face impeachment.
The controversy began when Tony Okocha, the APC leader in Rivers State, held a press conference on Monday, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara. Okocha accused the governor of mismanaging the state and alleged that his administration had created instability in Rivers State. He also claimed that the Supreme Court had confirmed the absence of a functional government in the state, pointing to multiple violations by the governor, which he described as grounds for impeachment.
However, in response, the PDP dismissed Okocha’s statement, saying he lacks the credibility to make such demands. Sydney Tambari Gbara, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, rejected the ultimatum and described it as baseless. He argued that Okocha had not provided any valid reasons for the governor’s resignation or impeachment.
Gbara further described Okocha as a politician whose statements are not taken seriously by the people of Rivers State. He accused Okocha of making contradictory and misleading remarks, stating that his history in the state’s political landscape had rendered him unimportant.
“Tony Okocha is known for speaking from both sides of his mouth,” Gbara said. “His comments are often misleading, out of touch with reality, and lacking in credibility. Nobody in Rivers State takes him seriously anymore because of his past actions. His demand for the governor to resign within 48 hours is laughable and does not reflect the political maturity expected in Rivers State.”
Gbara went on to claim that Okocha’s comments were an attempt to impress certain individuals who fund his political activities. He urged the people of Rivers State to ignore Okocha’s ultimatum, assuring them that Governor Fubara was focused on his duties and was not distracted by such remarks.
“The governor is fully in charge of the situation in Rivers State,” Gbara added. “He is busy commissioning projects and ensuring that development continues across the state. He has no time to respond to people like Tony Okocha.”
Background and Political Tensions in Rivers State
Rivers State has been a hotbed of political tensions in recent times, with factions within the APC and PDP frequently clashing over governance and leadership issues. Since Governor Fubara took office, there have been ongoing power struggles within the state’s political circles, fueled by internal rivalries and external opposition.
Tony Okocha, who leads a faction of the APC in Rivers State, has been a vocal critic of Governor Fubara. His recent call for the governor’s resignation is seen as part of the broader political battle for control in the state. The claim that the Supreme Court had declared Rivers State to be without a functional government has also sparked debate, as legal experts argue that such a statement may have been taken out of context.
The PDP’s response reflects its stance on maintaining stability in the state, with party leaders dismissing opposition criticisms as mere distractions. The party insists that Governor Fubara remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises and continuing infrastructure projects across Rivers State.
Public Reactions
The ultimatum issued by Okocha has drawn mixed reactions from Rivers State residents and political observers. While some APC supporters have backed Okocha’s call, many PDP supporters and neutral observers see it as an attempt to stir political controversy. Some residents have also expressed concerns that such political disputes could slow down governance and affect ongoing development projects.
Political analysts argue that the growing rift between opposition parties in Rivers State highlights the deep divisions in the state’s political landscape. They warn that if these conflicts continue to escalate, they could have long-term consequences for governance and stability in the region.
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