Rivers State is grappling with what former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole has described as a “party-less state”—a situation he believes has led to confusion and inefficiency in governance.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS, on Wednesday, about the state of politics in Rivers, Cole said, “It’s a state of confusion, and that cannot be allowed to continue.”
He also commented on the current situation in which a member of the PDP holds significant sway within an APC-led government.
He believes this situation undermines the progress of the state, saying, “For some reason, we have a minister that is PDP in an APC government who controls, to a large extent, both APC and PDP structures within the state,” explaining that it doesn’t work well for Rivers state.
Cole’s comments come with the state’s 2025 budget proposal, which was recently presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the state house of assembly. With a proposed figure of N1.1 trillion, Fubara highlighted that the state has seen “unprecedented investments” and substantial progress in sectors such as road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.
However, the former guber candidate emphasised that while roads, bridges, and visible infrastructure are crucial, they should not overshadow the pressing need to address the state’s broader socio-economic challenges.
Reflecting on the year ahead, Cole expressed optimism about 2025, stating, “This is a year that will surprise a lot of people. It’s a year where bold and audacious steps will yield extreme results.” Despite the current state of flux in Rivers politics, he urged Nigerians to remain resilient, reminding them, “We have never been known as a timid people.”
The Governor’s position has been previously characterised by legal challenges surrounding the state’s 2024 budget. A Federal High Court in Abuja had declared the 2024 budget presentation invalid. Judge James Omotoso ordered that the budget be re-presented to a “legally constituted” house of assembly led by Amaewhule, a decision that was later appealed by the state government.
Regardless, Cole highlighted the importance of bold leadership, noting that Fubara has had to carve his own path, stepping up from a previously quiet and timid political figure. “For now, he doesn’t have a choice. You either fight or you die. You swim or you sink, and he has chosen to swim,” Cole remarked.
Frances Ibiefo
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