The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed that failed politicians are behind the proposed protests against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
It, therefore, cautioned Nigerians against participating in the demonstration slated to start on August 1.
Chief Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, made this statement on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Okocha emphasized that the protests are politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the government.
He said, “As a party in Rivers State and patriotic citizens of Nigeria, we would like to seize this opportunity to caution against the planned protest by people I call failed politicians. They cannot destroy the APC or the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We should support the president as he is determined to move Nigeria forward. It will take time, but the process is in place.”
Protest’s Intentions Questioned
Okocha questioned the rationale behind the planned protest, which he claimed was based on the current economic hardships in the country. He argued that the blame should not be placed solely on President Tinubu.
“What is the reason for the planned protest? The reason for the planned protest as I heard is that there is hunger in the land. Is President Tinubu the architect of hunger in the land? Why are we not demonstrating and protesting against our governors?” he asked.
Call for Patience and Support
Okocha urged Nigerians to give the president more time to implement his policies, noting that the removal of the fuel subsidy had brought additional funds into the system.
“The removal of fuel subsidy brought in money to the system and the President didn’t put the money in his pockets. He is giving out. When these money are given to the states, do they think the President should also come and administer its use?” he added.
He also warned against the potential chaos that protests could bring, comparing Nigeria’s situation to other countries.
“Encouraging protests will only lead to chaos. We advise Nigerians not to join or support what I call failed politicians who think they can destroy the APC or the president. It didn’t work in Kenya, and Sudan and these countries are even smaller compared to Nigeria. The resultant effect of that on Nigerians will be most devastating.”
APC’s Position in Rivers State
Discussing the activities of the APC in Rivers State, Okocha noted significant improvements, stating that the party is functioning effectively and inclusively. He highlighted the party’s support for Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, and described the state APC’s current operations as thriving compared to its past.
On Rotimi Amaechi
Okocha also addressed the status of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi within the party, noting a lack of communication and participation from him.
“At some point, he got into law school. And from Year 1 we became incommunicado. You are also aware that at some point, at the Presidential primary election, he also decided to disappear into thin air,” Okocha said.
He added that Amaechi had explicitly stated that he did not wish to be contacted regarding party matters.
“But all the meetings we call, like a particular one for former Governors, he sent a message to the secretary of the party. And warned him that he should never dare to send him a message about the party. So should we go to his house and attack him?”