The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has blamed the judiciary for the prolonged political crisis in the state.
Okocha alleged that judges in Rivers State are playing games with political cases, despite being aware of judicial processes.
Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of disregarding court judgments, emphasizing that the law must be obeyed to prevent anarchy and chaos. He cited the example of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses in the state, where judges in Rivers State made pronouncements despite a superior court ruling otherwise.
There are four court orders related to the PDP congresses in Rivers State. Three orders from a High Court in Rivers State stopped the congresses, while a Federal High Court order in Abuja permitted the PDP to proceed with the exercise. However, on January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court nullified the congresses.
Okocha also criticized Governor Fubara’s administration, alleging that governance has taken a back seat despite the state receiving substantial federal allocations and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). According to him, Fubara got zero in agriculture, education, and housing.
However, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments as irrelevant, stating that the court has recognized Emeka Bekee as the APC Chairman. Johnson highlighted the state government’s achievements under Fubara, citing three broad approaches focused on education, health, and agriculture.
According to Johnson, the state government is rehabilitating 135 primary healthcare centres, a feat he described as uncommon. He also mentioned that the state will commence another round of project commissioning in March this year, showcasing progress in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and more.