The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, has stated that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is entitled to make demands from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Okocha argued that Fubara owes Wike respect and loyalty due to the political support Wike provided during his rise to power.

Okocha explained that Governor Fubara, formerly a civil servant with no political background, became a prominent figure through Wike’s intervention. According to him, Wike financed Fubara’s political journey during the 2023 elections, making it a significant “political investment.”

“Governor Fubara had no political experience until Wike gave him relevance,” Okocha stated. “Wike sponsored his campaigns and ensured his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate despite competition from other aspirants.”

Okocha dismissed claims by Austin Tam-George, a former commissioner in Rivers State, who accused Wike of attempting to privatize the state. Instead, he insisted that Wike’s involvement with Fubara was a natural outcome of his contributions.

He also accused Governor Fubara of disregarding legal and judicial rulings. “The Governor has shown resistance to laws and court judgments, which is a serious concern,” Okocha added.