The ex-chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, dismissed the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, labeling it as a riot.
Okocha made these remarks after leading a pro-Tinubu support rally organized by the Coalition of Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
During the rally, Okocha led a group of youths carrying placards in support of Tinubu from the Polo Club in GRA to various locations in the city, ultimately concluding at the Port Harcourt Polo Club where he addressed the attendees.
The rally caused minor disruptions to traffic in certain parts of the city as vehicles had to make alternate routes to reach their destinations.
Following the court’s ruling reinstating Chief Emeka Beke as the head of the CTC, Okocha expressed his disagreement with the judgment and announced the party’s intention to appeal the decision.
Speaking to the audience, he stated, “The sizable crowd here came voluntarily and in a peaceful manner. This is a genuine protest.
“Our march is in support of the President. We aim to rid the corruption that occurred between August 1 and August 10. Historic for its lack of protests, Rivers State has remained peaceful over the years.
“I actively participated in the #Endsars protest. Did you witness a similar intensity in the SARS protest in Rivers State?
“The reason for this disparity is clear. The individual who funded, sponsored, and clandestinely met with the young people, who I hesitate to label as criminals, is the sole beneficiary of Nigeria’s inactivity, particularly in Rivers State.”
He criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for offering monetary incentives like bread to the protesters, contrasting it with other governors who were engaging with diverse groups to address societal concerns.
Okocha remarked, “When our governor simply offers tokens for food, others are engaging in meaningful dialogues with various sectors of society. While our governor reportedly attends events and commissions projects casually.”
Highlighting the need for patience, Okocha emphasized, “We understand that progress takes time. The President’s initiatives are forward-thinking, particularly in the area of education.”