By 9jaeye 
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to halt what it describes as persistent attempts to influence President Bola Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the judiciary in matters regarding local government allocations. According to the APC, Governor Fubara’s approach will not reverse recent judicial rulings affecting the state. Therefore, they insist that the governor must prioritize legal compliance above all.
At a press briefing held in Abuja, Sir Tony Okocha, APC’s Rivers State Chairman, openly criticized Fubara’s tactics, describing them as efforts to sway public sentiment and sidestep legal obligations. Moreover, Okocha pointed out that these actions are distracting from more pressing political challenges within the governor’s own camp. Emphasizing the APC’s position, he stated, “no level of political maneuvering can override the law.”
APC Stands by Wike’s Non-Involvement
Okocha clarified that recent judicial controversies in Rivers State are not linked to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, despite some claims suggesting otherwise. In fact, he stressed that Wike is not involved in the 32 active cases regarding local government allocations in Rivers. Additionally, Okocha questioned why certain parties have tried to implicate President Tinubu, asserting that the APC condemns any attempt to drag unrelated figures into the matter.
The APC also commented on recent attempts by some Niger Delta elders who, as of late, have offered to mediate the crisis. Okocha criticized these efforts as untimely and ineffective, remarking that, “if these elders genuinely sought peace, they should have stepped in much earlier.” He argued that only strict adherence to constitutional provisions could resolve the conflict at this stage.
In Okocha’s view, Governor Fubara’s best course of action is to respect the law. He specifically cited sections of the constitution outlining budgetary rules for states, emphasizing, “we believe the judiciary, as the final interpreter of the law, deserves full respect.” Thus, he urged Fubara to put an end to any “blackmail tactics” and instead seek a lawful resolution.
Path to Peace Through Lawful Compliance
With the current tensions running high, the APC remains resolute in its stance that the judiciary provides the only viable path forward.
The Judiciary’s Role in Stability and Governance
As Rivers State navigates this dispute, the APC reiterates that achieving true stability and governance requires strict adherence to court rulings and respect for the legal process.
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