Hate him, or love him, Chief Tony Okocha, KSC DSSRS JP, remains an enigma in Rivers politics. He is undoubtedly a master strategist, tactician and a rising star in state and National politics.
This is true, even though this assertion may not go well with those who may see him as an enemy, rather than an opponent in the political sphere.
But reality is that Chief Tony Okocha is a rare gem and game changer in Rivers state politics.
His emergence recently as the substantive Chairman of APC Rivers, in an election where the entire Rivers state unianimously voted for his return, after serving the party in acting capacity for one year,is a confirmation of his total acceptance by the people, and his haters better have a rethink.
Truly, those who have meticulously followed the trajectory of Chief Okocha's political history, will come to terms, that he is always a rallying point for inclusive democracy.
He is also an advocate of equity,justice and fairness in Rivers politics, and these attributes distinguishes him from other contemporaries in the political horizon.
In the last two years I have come to work with him, I have seen a politician who is open minded. One with the penchant for inclusiveness to all, irrespective of tribe, party affiliation or differences. His doors are always open,and this has been a major strength in his victory path politically.
Going back memory lane,when the party's existence was threatened with malignant internal leadership crisis, Chief Tony Okocha,as a founding member was among the few progressives think - thank, that fought for the soul of the party.
At the heat of those crisis, that polarized the party along various personal interests, some leaders exited from the party, but Tony Okocha and a few others stood strong to contend with very stiff oppositions, in their bid to fight for the party.
Today, the result of that steadfastness is overwhelming,as many of those great men and women,have returned, thereby bringing the unity and peace being celebrated today.
I mean it is gratifying to see great leaders like; Chief Victor Giadom,Distinguished senators Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, Chief Hon Chidu Whioka, Prof John Imegi, Engr Samson Ngeregbara, Chief Ojukaye Flag Amachree etc, all APC stalwarts,now rallying round Chief Tony Okocha in unity, as new chairman.
These are great party men and women that have keyed into the Renewed vision to position the party for greatness in Rivers state.Truly the party is supreme, and I love and appreciate them.
While celebrating our game changer, Chief Tony Okocha, I use this opportunity to also congratulate all these Great and distinguished political Leaders for their party spirit and love for the survival of the All Progressives party in Rivers state. As they join to hold the broom(which is the symbol of unity)with Chief Tony Okocha, they have given a new winning spirit to APC in Rivers state.
Very specially I want to celebrate Chief Tony Okocha, for his vision of having APC' dominance in the state.
His concept and execution of an alliance with PDP in the state was superb. It was this alliance that broke the jinx, making President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's APC , the winning party in Rivers state, and also bringing Rivers state to the centre.
Today with the success of that alliance(powered by the leader of the G-5 integrity Group, HE Ezenwo Nyensom Wike, FCT minister), the Party is waxing strong, especially with the Renewed Hope structure, that is growing in leaps and bounds.
As I celebrate the newly elected Chairman of APC Rivers state, I also thank His Excellency Chief Bar Ezenwo Nyensom Wike,the FCT minister for all the support for the success of the PDP- APC alliance in Rivers state.
We are proud today,that through this alliance which has birthed the Renewed Hope family,many Rivers Sons and daughters have been given several federal appointments.
Also, Rivers state is rated high in the comity of states in Nigeria.
Finally, I commend chief Tony Okocha, for "standing tall" in meaningful opposition aimed at bringing good governance to the people of Rivers state.
Even though the opponents are seeing him as an enemy, by and large, Rivers people will see that rascality in governance and absolute dis-regard regard to the rule of law, have never done good to any people. No matter how good it might seem to the dissenting minds, they will come face to face with the truth later
I celebrate our Game Changer , Chief Tony Okocha and the Party, for coming out strong, after such turbulent crisis that nearly sent the Party to extinction.
CONGRATULATIONS
Dr Godpower Egbono
Former PCC Member & Leader,APC Abua Odual LGA
Writing from Abua, Rivers state.
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