The Emeka Beke-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Tony Okocha of attempting to force former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, out of the party. The faction claims that Okocha’s recent attacks on Amaechi are part of a broader strategy to undermine the former governor and create division within the APC.
Okocha, who has been vocal in his criticism of Amaechi, referred to the former governor as a “failed politician” during a recent statement, accusing him of failing to secure meaningful projects for Rivers State while he served as Minister of Transportation. His remarks have sparked outrage within the party, particularly among those loyal to Amaechi, who has long been a dominant figure in Rivers politics and a key player in building the APC’s presence in the state.
Darlington Nwauju, the spokesman for the Beke faction, condemned Okocha’s behavior, questioning why the former governor’s name seemed to be the primary tool for Okocha’s political advancement. In a statement, Nwauju alleged that Okocha was deliberately trying to “vex” Amaechi and other original stakeholders of the APC in Rivers State, ultimately aiming to drive Amaechi out of the party.
“Why has former Governor Amaechi’s name become the only currency that Tony Okocha and his group can use for their political trade by batter?” Nwauju asked. “The only reason why Tony Okocha is doing everything possible to construct a gulf in the APC family is to force Amaechi out of a political party he labored to build in Rivers State.”
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The Beke faction’s statement further suggested that Okocha’s efforts to tear down the reputation of influential party members like Amaechi were an attempt to carve out space for his own political ambitions. It criticized his strategy as divisive and destructive, warning that such tactics could destabilize the party in the state.
It bears mentioning that as the conflict within the Rivers APC escalates, all eyes are on the party’s leadership to address the growing rift between factions and ensure that the focus remains on strengthening the party ahead of future elections. The political future of Amaechi and Okocha appears increasingly uncertain.
