The South-South Youths Initiative has accused the factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, of refusing to support peace initiatives in Rivers State due to personal benefits derived from the ongoing political crisis.
The youth group also criticized Okocha over what it described as inciting statements.
Okocha had in recent media appearances declared that the “sin”; of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will not be forgiven if he joins the APC, saying the governor cannot join the party through the back door.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday, the National President of the South-South Youths Initiative, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, claimed that Okocha became the state representative of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the factional APC State chairman as a result of the political instability.
Oscar added that Okocha fears losing his current positions if peace is restored in the state.
Oscar, while describing Okocha’s prioritization of personal gain over the welfare of Rivers people as shameful, called for his immediate resignation from all positions.
He also demanded a thorough investigation into Okocha’s role and activities within the NDDC board.
Oscar said, “His refusal to support peace initiatives in Rivers State due to personal benefit from the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is unacceptable.
“Let’s not forget that Mr. Tony Okocha became the state rep of NDDC in Rivers State because of the political crisis in the state and is also the factional of APC in Rivers State, just to make Rivers State unbearable for the Executive Governor or the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to continue heating the polity.
“Mr. Tony Okocha worries that if the peace initiative is successful, he may loose the current position he is holding at the moment because his political nuisance may no longer be a thing of interest again.
“Mr. Tony Okocha’s prioritization of personal gain over the welfare of Rivers State citizens is shameful, his actions hinder effort to resolve the crisis, perpetrating instability and suffering for the innocent citizens,”; he added.
