APC Names Wike ‘Dean Of Nigerian Politics’
Tony Okocha, chairman of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has proclaimed Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, to be an individual whose authority should not be underestimated.
This was stated on Thursday, December 14, at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, where he also accused Similaye Fubara, the governor of Rivers state, of destroying the state House of Assembly complex in order to obstruct the convening of the majority of the 27 members.
Okocha, who was present at the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to apprise them of the political developments in the state subsequent to the resignation of 27 members of the state House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, affirmed that his party is resolved to oppose the governor's unlawful activities.
When asked if the opposition party would be receptive to having the minister in the APC, Okocha, who was the former governor's chief of staff at the time, stated that one of the responsibilities assigned to his committee by the APC NWC was to conduct a massive membership drive. He further claimed that the opposition party would be open to receiving Wike, whom he referred to as the "Dean of Politics."
The interim chairman, in disapproval of the governor and his four-member legislature, issued the dire warning that Fubara is powerless to alter the course of events now that the opposition holds a firm grip on the legislature.
He stated, "You cannot expect something to stand on its own when it is placed on nothing." Irregular behaviour remains prohibited. Furthermore, it is the human members comprising an assembly who, not the structure, constitute its essence. Therefore, an assembly may be relocated to any location so long as the Mace, the emblem of power, remains in its original location. Approximately 27 members sat and made the far-reaching decision on state matters as of yesterday. Each of them will be signed beneath the respective decisions.
"However, I will tell you something: according to a philosopher I read named Frank Fano, civil disobedience is the gift you give to an unyielding government. He also stated that loving disobedience in the face of the law is inconceivable. There is thus an instance of pandemonium. Moreover, it falls within the scope of the PDP.
"It is not as if there is a complete breakdown of law and order." However, this is an internal dispute within the PDP. That they are in motion and are granted the opportunity to be featured prominently. I had cautioned or, more precisely, advised the governor. I informed him that you are exposing the fifth columnist to your flanks. They shall also feast.
"The aforementioned fifth columnists who attend the banquet will also be the ones praising you." Today, he has entirely abandoned governance and is now intent on pursuing shadows. The renowned infrastructure advancements of Rivers State have started to deteriorate.
"Among them are projects that the former governor himself has completed to one hundred percent but neglected to commission are rotting away." Even though his house is on fire, he remains motionless and continues to pursue and pursue the rodent absent of any intention of stopping. Rivers State therefore suffers from an absolute absence of governance and administration. "As the opposition party at this time, the APC will not permit it."
He maintained that the APC currently holds a significant plurality in the Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 out of the 32 members being APC members. "This is in accordance with the directive of the National Chairman, who instructed us to initiate communication with opposition political party members as well.
He further elaborated: "You are cognizant of the occurrences in the state wherein the state government belittled the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex through an act of barbarism."
"Recall that two members of the PDP were vying for the position of Speaker of the Assembly prior to the events of Wednesday. Edison Ehie petitioned the High Court, and the Supreme Court's stance on motions is common knowledge.
"We shall combat illegality and shall not permit it to flourish within our jurisdiction." We are presently obligated to advocate for the 27 individuals who hold seats in the State Assembly. Thus, we are conveying to the governor that illegality is not conducive to success. We shall petition the NJC-affiliated magistrate to issue the "Jankara" order in opposition to our members. Therefore, we wish to urge our party members to assist us in defending them against the Rivers State House of Assembly's mistreatment."
As far as he is aware, Wike has been courted by the APC to defect and assist in their conquest of the state.
He stated, "I have personally courted him, and we have publicly urged him to assist us by travelling to the Mediterranean." His influence extends beyond the state of Rivers and encompasses Nigeria as a whole. We won the presidential election despite losing all three senatorial seats and members of the State House of Assembly due to his formidable stature. Wike holds the position of Dean of Politics in Nigeria as well as Rivers. It is impossible to pinpoint the precise location of his influence.
