Rivers APC Chair Accuses Gov Fubara of Disrespecting Court Orders

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of disregarding the judiciary by failing to comply with court rulings.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Okocha expressed concern over a recent decision by a State High Court regarding the chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, despite the matter still being under consideration by the Court of Appeal. He questioned why the High Court took action when the case was still pending at a higher court.

“The governor does not respect laws,” Okocha said. “He only respects laws when they suit him. If a ruling is in his favour, he is all for it, but if it is against him, he rejects it. I don’t know of any political system where this happens. The law should be sacrosanct and must be followed by all, not just when it’s convenient.”

Okocha further argued that the authority to appoint party leadership lies within the party itself, irrespective of court rulings. He referenced the ongoing issue of PDP leadership in the state, asserting that the power to inaugurate a party’s state executive committee remains within the party, regardless of judicial intervention.

Okocha also criticized the state of Port Harcourt, accusing Governor Fubara’s administration of turning the city from a vibrant “Garden City” to a “Garbage City” with poor infrastructure and a lack of street lighting. He pointed out that major roads, including Ikwerre Road, Airport Road, and Aba Road, are often dark at night, creating an unsafe environment for residents.

“Port Harcourt was once known as the Garden City, but under this government, it has become a city of debris and stench,” Okocha lamented. “The lack of lighting on major roads is a security concern.”

In response, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, dismissed Okocha’s comments. He pointed out that Okocha’s leadership of the APC in Rivers State no longer holds, as the court had recognized Emeka Bekee as the legitimate chairman of the party. Johnson urged the public to disregard Okocha’s statements, labeling them as irrelevant and untrue. He also emphasized that the state government, under Governor Fubara, is focused on its work, with tangible results that are being praised by the people of Rivers State.