Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, sheds light on the political crisis in the state, addressing the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC. Okocha highlights the APC’s recent challenges in Rivers State, emphasizing the party’s revival under his leadership.
According to Okocha, the APC in the state faced a period of inactivity, prompting the formation of a caretaker committee to reinvigorate the party. He credits the party’s recent success to the support of former governor Nyesome Wike and his group, even though Wike is a PDP member. Okocha dismisses claims that President Buhari is intentionally undermining the APC in Rivers State, stating that the president aims to rejuvenate the party.
Addressing the controversial budget presentation to only four members of the State House of Assembly and the subsequent demolition of the Assembly complex, Okocha criticizes the governor’s actions as an affront to democracy. He accuses the governor of attempting to stifle APC members and expresses concern about the illegality of the proceedings.
Okocha defends the legality of the lawmakers’ defection, citing irreconcilable crises within the PDP as a valid reason for their move. He dismisses critics who argue against the defection and accuses them of being motivated by personal grievances.
In discussing the fallout between political godfathers and godsons, Okocha suggests that power struggles, betrayal of trust, and communication gaps contribute to such conflicts in Nigerian politics. He advocates for a more democratic process of electing leaders to avoid issues associated with godfatherism and imposition.