The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is once again embroiled in controversy, with former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, tackling Tony Okocha, a self-proclaimed Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party.
Eze, a prominent APC chieftain, described Okocha as a “jobber” and a “prying agent” acting at the behest of former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He accused Okocha of meddling in the party’s affairs while masquerading as a legitimate leader, despite a court ruling recognising Chief Emeka Beke as the rightful chairman.
Eze’s strong condemnation stems from Okocha’s recent verbal attacks on the judiciary and the Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
Okocha had lashed out after the NBA criticised his actions, highlighting the court’s decision against his appointment as caretaker chairman.
Eze called on the NBA to take decisive action against Okocha, describing him as a threat to societal morality due to his “uncultured manners” and “abrasive display of media rudeness.”
He also urged media outlets to stop recognising Okocha as an APC leader.
He further slammed Okocha’s criticisms of APC 2023 governorship candidate, Pastor Tonye Cole, of being a mere pawn of Wike and Amaechi.
Eze emphasised Cole’s independent political stature and dismissed Okocha’s pronouncements as baseless.
The APC chieftain also criticised the Forum of APC State Chairmen for supporting Okocha’s claims and endorsing Ganduje’s actions in defying the court’s ruling.
He described them as “marauders” acting in collusion with Wike.
Eze reiterated that Beke remains the legitimate leader of the Rivers APC and that no amount of manipulation or legal challenges will change this.
He also highlighted Okocha’s lack of membership in the party, stating that he is a “mole” employed by Wike to create chaos within the APC.
This latest development further deepens the existing conflict within the Rivers APC, leaving the future of the party in the state uncertain.
NBA’s response to Eze’s call for intervention and the next steps taken by the party’s leadership will be crucial in determining the outcome of this ongoing power struggle.
