…You Lack Relevance in Rivers — Amaechi’s Ally
By Daniel Abia
PORT HARCOURT — Former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha, has criticized his former boss over recent remarks suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not relinquish power in 2027 and that Nigerians should rise up against politicians.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, stated last week, “Politicians are in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill, and to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you’re wasting your time.”
Reacting to the comments, Okocha accused Amaechi of attempting to incite the public against the government and craving anarchy.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Okocha condemned Amaechi’s alleged failure to attract developmental projects to the South-South region during his tenure as Minister. He also blamed the judiciary for escalating political crises in Rivers State by disregarding legal protocols.
“Judiciary is the problem behind the political crisis in Rivers State. Judges make pronouncements on PDP congresses even when a superior court ruled otherwise,” Okocha alleged.
He further accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of disregarding court judgments and scored his administration poorly in agriculture, education, and housing.
State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments, asserting that Okocha “no longer exists politically in Rivers State.” He emphasized that Chief Emeka Bekee remains the recognized APC chairman.
“The State government is focused on education, health, and agriculture. We are making uncommon impacts,” Johnson said, citing the rehabilitation of 135 primary healthcare centers as an example.
He thanked President Tinubu for appointing two Rivers indigenes, Senator Magnus Abe and Victor Giadom, to key national positions and congratulated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on his recent award.
Amaechi’s ally and APC chieftain, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, dismissed Okocha as “totally irrelevant in Rivers politics.”
He listed over 18 projects credited to Amaechi’s tenure as Minister, including the N120 billion Bonny-Bodo road, the Opobo Channel Bridge, and increased cargo activity at Onne Port. (Vanguard)