APC Chair in Rivers Accuses Gov. Fubara of Disrespecting Judiciary

Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has sharply criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for what he termed a lack of respect for the judiciary. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Okocha questioned why a State High Court would rule on the chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, despite the matter still being under review by the Court of Appeal.

Okocha accused the governor of selectively respecting the law, stating, “The governor does not respect laws. He respects laws when it suits him, and when it doesn’t, he disregards them.” He further expressed his disbelief that a state court would intervene in a matter that was still pending before a higher court, asserting, “The power to inaugurate a party’s state executive committee is vested in the party.”

Okocha also lamented the state of Port Harcourt, describing it as having transformed from the “Garden City” to a “Garbage City” under the current government. He highlighted the absence of street lighting on major roads like Ikwerre Road, Airport Road, G.U Ake Road, and Aba Road, which he said had become dark and unsafe. Okocha warned that this darkness could have serious consequences for the city’s security and overall livability.

In response, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments, stating that the APC leadership under Okocha was no longer recognized after a court ruling had confirmed Emeka Bekee as the legitimate chairman of the party in Rivers. Johnson urged the public to ignore Okocha’s remarks, emphasizing that the state government, under Governor Fubara, remained focused on delivering meaningful progress that the people were appreciative of.