Tony Okocha, chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers, has expressed doubt about the prospects for peace in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Okocha blamed the situation on the persistent rift between Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers state governor, and Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The two political figures have been at loggerheads over control of the state's political structure, a conflict that has divided the Rivers state house of assembly and led to multiple court cases.
Okocha said Fubara missed an opportunity to mend fences with Wike during the festive season, particularly on the minister's birthday in December.
"I don't see Rivers State coming out of this quagmire in 2025. By reason of prognosis, I am not a prophet of doom," Okocha said.
"The governor of Rivers State and his immediate benefactor should not be enemies. Even if they were, the festive season is a time to exchange convivialities and goodwill.
"What could it have taken you? Your boss, as he used to call him, celebrated his birthday in December.
"Even if it were just a scroll of news to say 'congratulations on your birthday,' that doesn't take anything away from you, from my own assessment.
"The governor who is suing for peace can just drive to the Minister's house or anybody else's to say, 'I come to celebrate with you on Christmas Day.' I am sure nobody will chase the governor away if he visits his home.
"But instead of doing that, he's threatening brimstone and fire.I don't see peace. I don't see peace anytime soon because the governor holds the key."
Checks by Newsmen revealed that the governor did not make any birthday post on social media to celebrate Wike on December 13, 2024.
But in 2023, Fubara celebrated with Wike during his birthday despite the heightened political tensions.
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