Rivers Crisis: Eze Responds to Okocha’s Claims on Lawmakers' Defection
Chukwuemeka Eze, the former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), has issued a statement in response to recent remarks made by Tony Okocha. Okocha had claimed that 27 embattled lawmakers from Rivers State had not defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), contradicting widespread reports.
Okocha's Controversial Statement
In a recent interview in Abuja, Tony Okocha, who was recently removed by a court as Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, stated that the 27 lawmakers had not officially joined the APC. Okocha admitted he had been attempting to bring them into his faction but had not succeeded.
“I need to make this clear to everyone. Much as I want to have them in my fold, none of them has agreed to join us. I am the one that should know if they did. But clearly, they have not. …what the lawmakers did was a political gimmick. I tried to woo them, but they kept vacillating and did not,” Okocha said.
Eze's Strong Rebuttal
In response, Eze expressed disbelief at Okocha's claim, arguing that substantial evidence exists to prove the lawmakers’ defection from the PDP to the APC. Eze accused Okocha of deliberately spreading falsehoods.
“The public is not surprised that despite the overwhelming proof in the media supporting the fact that the lawmakers defected, Okocha would openly deny it. His statements are a clear attempt to manipulate the truth,” Eze said.
Eze highlighted that Okocha was present at the lawmakers’ official defection, which was widely reported by major media outlets. He suggested that Okocha’s denial was part of a broader strategy to shield the lawmakers from facing the consequences of their actions.
Moral and Legal Concerns
Eze did not mince words in his condemnation of Okocha’s behavior, accusing him of moral bankruptcy. He recalled that Okocha had previously boasted about manipulating elections and falsifying results, yet continued to roam freely without facing legal repercussions.
“A few weeks back, a competent court ruled that Okocha and his associates should stop parading themselves as the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee. Yet, they continue to issue press statements under the party’s letterhead. This is a clear sign of the impunity that prevails in our political system,” Eze stated.
Eze also criticized Okocha and Chibuike Ikenga, a former spokesperson for the Rivers APC caretaker committee, for continuing to speak on behalf of the party despite being removed from their positions. He specifically condemned their calls for Governor Fubara to reconcile with former Governor Wike, noting that both men had no authority to issue such statements.
Impunity in Rivers Politics
Eze expressed deep concern over the state of Rivers politics, particularly the level of impunity and disregard for the law demonstrated by individuals like Okocha and Ikenga. He argued that such actions would not be tolerated in a well-ordered society and that individuals who openly defy court orders would face serious consequences.
“In any serious country, individuals like Okocha, Ikenga, and the 27 former lawmakers would be held accountable for their actions. Instead, they continue to walk free and operate with impunity because of their political connections,” Eze lamented.
He further criticized the continued influence of former Governor Wike and his allies, stating that their disregard for legal processes and court rulings had contributed to the moral decay of the political environment in Rivers State.
Conclusion
Eze’s response to Okocha’s claims reflects the growing tension within Rivers State politics, as the battle for control within the APC intensifies. His statement underscores broader concerns about the rule of law and political accountability in Nigeria, particularly in regions where political figures feel emboldened to act without fear of consequences
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