Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has cast doubt on the possibility of resolving the political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, this year.

Okocha criticized Governor Fubara for not using the festive season as an opportunity to reconcile with Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He particularly cited the governor’s failure to extend goodwill during Wike’s recent birthday celebration as a missed chance for peace.

In an interview on Arise Television, Okocha expressed concern about the escalating tensions, stating, “I don’t see Rivers State coming out of this quagmire in 2025. The festive season was a time for convivialities and goodwill. A simple message to celebrate his former boss’s birthday could have made a difference, but instead, the governor is threatening brimstone and fire.”

Okocha also commented on Wike’s remarks about former Governor Peter Odili, interpreting them as advice for Odili to remain neutral in the ongoing dispute. “The role of a father is not to take sides when children are having disagreements,” he remarked.

Addressing rumors of his alignment with Governor Fubara’s camp, Okocha dismissed such claims as “absolute nonsense” and “hallucinations.”

The chairman emphasized that without proactive efforts for reconciliation, the political rift in Rivers State is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.