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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of stalling the implementation of the eight-point resolution aimed at resolving the political crisis in the state.
The crisis, which stemmed from a power struggle, escalated in October 2023 when 27 lawmakers, allegedly loyal to Fubara's predecessor, Nyesom Wike, threatened to impeach the governor. The situation got worse with the burning of the State House of Assembly Complex on October 30.
President Bola Tinubu intervened and brokered a peace agreement to restore normalcy. However, Chief Okocha expressed concerns over the delay in implementing the agreement, stating that it undermines political peace in Rivers State and disrespects the efforts of the President and other political stakeholders.
Chief Okocha recounted the events leading up to the crisis, stressing the deliberate attempts to disrupt legislative activities by certain individuals. He highlighted the importance of upholding democracy and recalled the peaceful meeting with President Tinubu, where all involved parties agreed upon and signed an eight-point proclamation document.
While Governor Fubara has carried out six of the resolutions, including withdrawing court cases and recognizing the Speaker of the House of Assembly, he has allegedly refused to implement two crucial agreements - the re-presentation of the state budget before the 27 lawmakers and the conduct of local government elections.
The governor's hesitation has attracted different reactions, especially from his political counterparts.
Chief Okocha expressed regret over the governor's deviation from the agreement and urged him to honor the commitments made before President Tinubu for the sake of peace and stability in Rivers State.
