The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State have found themselves in a contentious situation following comments made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the burial of the late CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizzy in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government area of the state.
Akpabio and Fubara spoke during the funeral service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo.
While the APC accused Governor Fubara of introducing politics into the funeral proceedings, the ruling PDP criticized Akpabio for his reaction to Fubara’s comments.
Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of Rivers State APC Caretaker Committee, stated at a news briefing that Governor Fubara’s remarks during the funeral were expected to be a tribute and should not have involved political undertones.
Okocha criticized Fubara for veering off into political issues during the solemn ceremony, questioning the appropriateness of discussing politics at such an event.
Okocha further mentioned that Akpabio’s response to Fubara’s comments reflected the inappropriateness of introducing politics into the funeral proceedings.
He defended Akpabio’s remarks and criticized the PDP for attacking him, asserting that Akpabio is a member of the APC.
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In response, Sydney Gbara, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, described Akpabio as an enemy of Rivers people due to his recent statements concerning the state.
Gbara alleged that Akpabio expressed anger at the applause received by Fubara’s remarks and accused him of consistently showing disdain and disrespect towards Governor Fubara.
Gbara emphasized that Akpabio’s actions and statements have been detrimental to the unity of Rivers State and warned that if he continues to make negative comments against Governor Fubara, he may not be welcomed in the state again.
The PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and urge Akpabio to refrain from making divisive remarks that could incite crisis in the state.
