Tony Okocha, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has voiced his opinion regarding the likelihood of achieving peace in the region.
In an interview, Okocha attributed the ongoing turmoil to the deepening conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister.
The rivalry between these two political leaders has escalated over the struggle for dominance in the state’s political framework, resulting in a fractured Rivers State House of Assembly and numerous legal disputes.
Okocha remarked that Fubara missed a crucial chance to reconcile with Wike during the holiday season, particularly on the minister’s birthday in December.
“I am not a doomsayer, but I doubt that Rivers State will emerge from this crisis by 2025,” Okocha stated.
“The relationship between the governor of Rivers State and his key benefactor should not be adversarial. Even if they have differences, the festive season is an ideal time for goodwill and reconciliation.
“What would it have cost him? His former mentor celebrated his birthday in December.
“Even a simple congratulatory message would have sufficed and would not have diminished his standing, in my view.
“A governor seeking peace could easily visit the minister’s residence or anyone else’s to say, ‘I want to celebrate Christmas with you.’ I believe no one would turn the governor away at his home.
“Instead of taking that step, he seems to be issuing threats. I foresee no peace in the near future, as the governor holds the key to resolving this situation.”
