The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from Tony Okocha, branding him an imposter and urging the public to ignore his recent call for the resignation or impeachment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha gave Governor Fubara an ultimatum to either step down or face impeachment.
However, in a strongly worded statement released by Emeka Beke, the APC Chairman in Rivers State, the party clarified that Okocha is not a recognized member of the party and is not authorized to speak on its behalf.
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“My attention has been drawn to a statement issued by one faceless Tony Okocha, a non-member of our party, addressing himself as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and calling for the resignation of the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara,” Beke stated.
“I wish to inform the general public that Tony Okocha is not a known member of the party and is neither eligible nor qualified to speak for and on behalf of the party. Therefore, the APC calls on the good people of Rivers State to disregard the baseless call for the resignation of the governor by Tony Okocha, who is a known enemy of the state and a crisis merchant.”
Beke also cautioned Okocha to stop presenting himself as the APC chairman in Rivers State, labeling his actions as a public nuisance.
He reiterated that the party is dedicated to promoting good governance and praised Governor Fubara for his efforts in saving the state from what he referred to as “executive rascality.”
“As a party, we are committed to supporting good governance and are happy that the governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, has rescued the state from the act of executive rascality, ceaseless abuse of our established cherished traditional institution, and gross mismanagement of the state’s monthly statutory allocation. He has demonstrated that accountability and transparency are the cornerstones of good governance,” Beke said.
Beke also criticized Okocha’s call for impeachment, stating that such matters are governed by constitutional provisions and procedures, not by individuals making unfounded statements to the media.
“Tony Okocha should learn that the issue of impeachment is a constitutional matter, with well-enacted provisions and procedures, and not something an individual will wake up and begin to address the media about,” he stated.
He further emphasised that Governor Fubara was democratically elected by the people of Rivers State and deserves respect.
“The governor is constitutionally and democratically elected by Rivers people and should be respected. Hence, the unwarranted call for his resignation is an insult to Rivers people and an abuse of freedom of speech,” Beke added.
To prevent further escalation, Beke urged security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the State Security Service (DSS), to take action against Okocha.
He referred to Okocha as an imposter, accusing him of blatantly disregarding the law.
“I call on the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Security Service (DSS), and other conventional security agencies to note that Chief Tony Okocha is an imposter and should be called to order to forestall a breakdown of law and order in the state.
“He tried to become a member of our party through the back door and has been sacked by a court of competent jurisdiction, yet he continues to act in flagrant disobedience of the law,” Beke declared.
The APC Chairman concluded by issuing a stern warning to Okocha, urging him to cease his activities immediately.
“Tony Okocha should desist from parading himself as the APC chairman in Rivers State. His actions are causing public nuisance and could destabilize the peace and stability of the state,” Beke warned
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