“I Don’t See Peace Returning to Rivers Anytime Soon; Fubara Even Missed Wike’s Birthday” — Tony Okocha

Tony Okocha, chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has cast doubt on the likelihood of political harmony returning to the state anytime soon. Okocha attributed the persistent tensions to the ongoing rift between Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The conflict, which centers on control of Rivers’ political structure, has fractured the state assembly and fueled multiple court battles. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Okocha lamented the missed opportunities for reconciliation, particularly during the festive season and Wike’s birthday in December.

According to Okocha, the strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor has set a troubling tone for the state. He described the festive season as a natural occasion to bridge gaps, suggesting that a simple gesture of goodwill from the governor could have improved relations. “The governor of Rivers State and his immediate benefactor should not be enemies,” he said. “Even if they were, the festive season is a time to exchange convivialities and goodwill.”

Okocha pointed out that Fubara’s failure to acknowledge Wike’s birthday publicly or privately demonstrated a lack of commitment to peace. “Your boss, as he used to call him, celebrated his birthday in December. Even if it were just a scroll of news to say, ‘congratulations on your birthday,’ that doesn’t take anything away from you,” he remarked.

The APC chairman suggested that Fubara could have taken the initiative to visit Wike’s residence during Christmas to extend an olive branch, but instead, the governor appeared to escalate tensions. “The governor who is suing for peace can just drive to the minister’s house… I am sure nobody will chase the governor away,” Okocha added. “But instead of doing that, he’s threatening brimstone and fire. I don’t see peace anytime soon because the governor holds the key.”

A review of public records revealed that Fubara did not acknowledge Wike’s birthday on December 13, 2024, on social media or through any formal statement. This marked a departure from the previous year when, despite heightened tensions, the governor had celebrated with Wike on his birthday.

Okocha concluded with a grim outlook, predicting continued discord in Rivers State as long as the rift remains unresolved.