A group under the auspices of the Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition has condemn in strong terms comments credited to the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha and Dr. Alabo George-Kelly, the Executive Secretary of Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, over comments made by the duo against the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara on his one year in office.
Alabo George-Kelly had faulted claims by Governor Siminalayi Fubara that he inherited debts for uncompleted projects worth more than N225bn from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
George-Kelly, who served as commissioner for Works under Wike who is now the Minister for Federal Capital Territory explained that the money allegedly owed to contractors is called a ‘retention fee’
He dismissed the claims by Fubara that his administration inherited huge debts to contractors.
Also, Okocha while briefing newsmen recently accused the governor of doing nothing in his first year in office, adding that all the projects being commissioned by Fubara were all initiated by his predecessor.
Okocha also said investors were leaving the state because of insecurity.
In his reaction, Chairman of Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition, Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana in a statement said the comments by the two Wike loyalists were intended to tarnish the image of the governor.
He said: “The attention of the Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition has been drawn to the egregious lies and propaganda peddled by Chief Tony Okocha, the factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, and Dr. Alabo George Kelly, the former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, who are desperate to tarnish the reputation of our performing Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara. Their accusations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is driving away investors and failing to acknowledge the contributions of the former governor and their paymaster are fabrications aimed at undermining the progress made by the current administration”.
Yamaabana added: “We condemn in the strongest terms the malicious and false accusations made by Chief Tony Okocha and Dr. Alabo George Kelly. Their actions are motivated by a desire to please their paymasters rather than a genuine concern for the truth. We urge them to retract their statements and apologize for their actions”.
The group said Rivers people are happy with the significant progress the current administration has made in creating a thriving economic environment through revitalizing of Songhai Farm, Buguma Fish Farm amongst others.
“The people of Rivers State are well aware of the devastating consequences of the previous administration’s draconian leadership and unfriendly business policies, which led to companies and investors fleeing the state, private businesses being demolished, and political opponents being targeted. However, we are also aware and impressed by the significant progress the current administration has made in creating a thriving economic environment, revitalizing Songhai farm and Buguma fish farm, and promising new jobs, food security, and a crime-free state,” the group stated.
