Tony Okocha, the recently dismissed chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has criticized the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, dismissing it as a mere riot. Okocha made this statement on Tuesday after leading a pro-Tinubu support rally organized by the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State.
The rally, which began at the Polo Club in GRA and proceeded through various routes in Port Harcourt before concluding back at the Polo Club, saw Okocha leading a group of youths carrying placards in support of President Bola Tinubu. The procession caused minor traffic disruptions as vehicles diverted to avoid the demonstration.
Okocha, whose seven-member Caretaker Committee was dissolved by a Rivers State High Court, rejected the court’s ruling, which reinstated Chief Emeka Beke, a loyalist of former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. During the rally, Okocha addressed the crowd, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their demonstration. “The crowd you see here came of their own volition and with a free heart. This is what we call a protest,” he stated.
He contrasted the pro-Tinubu rally with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which he described as disruptive and uncharacteristic of Rivers State. “Rivers State has never been an epicenter for any protest or demonstrations,” Okocha remarked, drawing a comparison to the #EndSARS protests, which he participated in, noting that they were less intense in the state.
Okocha also criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for offering money to the protesters for “pure water and bread,” arguing that other governors were actively engaging with stakeholders to address pressing issues. “While other governors are meeting with all strata of people in their states, our governor was attending a burial,” he said.
He urged patience and understanding, emphasizing that the programs initiated by President Tinubu are designed for long-term benefits. “We believe that Rome was not built in a day. All that Mr. President is doing are futuristic programs,” Okocha concluded, highlighting the importance of education and development for the people of Nigeria.
