In a recent statement, Mr. Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, underscored the significance of loyalty and respect for political structures. He emphasized the crucial role of safeguarding the structures that underpin and advance political careers, highlighting the responsibility that politicians have in this regard.
Okocha's comments arose amidst a feud between Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his mentor, former governor Fubara. According to Okocha, Wike owes much of his success in transitioning from a civil servant to a party candidate who triumphed in all 23 local governments of the state to the mentorship and backing he received from Governor Fubara. However, Okocha noted that Wike must also acknowledge the duty to uphold and preserve the political framework that facilitated his ascent.
By stressing the importance of political structures, Okocha cautioned that dismantling one's support network could have repercussions, leaving the individual without a secure foundation. He warned that any discord between a politician and the structure that nurtured their career could imperil their future prospects and political stability.
According to ChannelsTV, Okokcha said, “The feud between the governor and his mentor, Governor Fubara is Wike’s political investment.
“From civil servant to the candidate of a party and delivering him in 23 local governments out of 23, the first in our history, all of these were Wike’s ability to manoeuvre. The former governor has said, ‘I am not asking you for anything. I am only saying that you are destroying the structure that produced you.’
“If you are a politician, no politician will allow his structure to be dismantled. When you do that, it means that you have no home to fall back to. That is the issue.”