Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the 2023 Rivers governorship election, has expressed that the ongoing political turmoil in the South South state has left its citizens as the primary victims. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Cole highlighted that development in Rivers has come to a standstill amid the power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Cole’s comments followed a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld a previous decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which invalidated the presentation and passage of the 2024 budget for Rivers State. He emphasized that the current political landscape neglects the needs of the people, stating, “As it stands right now, the people of Rivers do not matter in the equation that is being played out.” He lamented that if the interests of Rivers residents were prioritized, the situation would be vastly different, attributing the crisis to a narrow political agenda.
He further characterized the ongoing political struggles as detrimental to governance, pointing out that Fubara is ensnared in a precarious political predicament. Cole remarked that the governor’s decision to present the budget to the assembly recognizes it as the legitimate body, potentially leading to impeachment issues. With the political landscape fragmented—featuring a PDP governor, an APC-led assembly, and an APP local government—Cole underscored the chaotic governance situation facing the state.
Written by: Idu Sunita