The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has announced his intention to vie for the party’s state chairmanship.
Speaking with Punch on Tuesday, Okocha, known for his alliance with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, emphasized the need for a dynamic leader to rejuvenate the APC six months after the Emeka Beke-led executive was dissolved.
Okocha expressed that before formally entering the race, he would seek the counsel and approval of his wife.
The Beke-led executive’s dismissal by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in May sparked a legal tussle, with the ousted leaders challenging the decision in court.
Though a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt overturned the NWC’s action two months ago, the national body has maintained its support for Okocha’s caretaker committee over the reinstated former executive.
Okocha’s leadership in Rivers APC has created friction with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists in the state’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction.
Recently, the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly members, previously affiliated with the PDP, announced their defection to the APC under Okocha’s leadership, further cementing his influence.
The NWC recently put to rest any speculation about Beke’s potential reinstatement by setting dates for rescheduled congresses to elect a new APC executive in Rivers State.
According to the revised timetable released by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the ward congress will be held on November 16, followed by the local government congress on November 23, and culminating with the state congress on November 30, 2024.
Okocha, who previously served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, welcomed the decision and voiced confidence that competent leaders would be chosen to guide the party forward.
He said, “Our leadership, from the ward to the state level, will come through consensus. That’s why I used the word ‘seamless.’ As it stands, I am eligible to contest. If the system trusts my capability, I will simply step down from the caretaker committee.
“But I’ll also need to ask my wife, as she is my chief confidant. If she agrees, I’ll do my best. The APC in Rivers State needs a very dynamic person in charge, so the state can truly be called ‘Rivers of Possibilities’ and the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation.’ We cannot afford to lag.”
He said on the forthcoming congress, “That is the calendar handed over to us and published for the public. I assure you we are putting in the effort to ensure the congresses, from ward to state, proceed seamlessly.
“You won’t hear us protesting or going to court over this. We are working with key stakeholders and have promised that selecting all the officers will not be a battlefield. It won’t be business as usual.”