Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers State has raised serious allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of hijacking and diverting federal palliatives intended for the people of Rivers State. In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state chairman, Chief Tony C. Okocha, and state secretary, Chief Eric Nwibani, detailed their grievances and sought urgent intervention.
### Key Points from the APC Letter:
1. **Gratitude to President Tinubu**: The letter began by expressing deep gratitude to President Tinubu for his efforts in lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and steering the economy toward growth. They cited positive economic indicators such as the GDP growth rate of 3.1%, a budget surplus of N6.5 trillion, and rising external reserves.
2. **Allegations Against Governor Fubara**: The APC accused Governor Fubara and his followers, referred to as the ASAWANA group, of misappropriating the federal government’s palliatives meant for vulnerable communities in Rivers State. They claimed that instead of fair distribution, the palliatives were diverted for the governor’s personal and political gain.
3. **Impact on Local Government Areas**: The APC highlighted the adverse effects on the local government areas, where officials loyal to the APC were allegedly marginalized and ostracized for not aligning with the ASAWANA group. The letter described scenes of jubilation among Rivers people when the federal palliatives were announced, only to be disappointed by the diversion.
4. **Political Division**: The APC noted a sharp political division within the state, with the ASAWANA group led by Governor Fubara on one side and the majority of Rivers people, including APC and PDP members, supporting President Tinubu and the FCT Minister.
5. **Concerns About Future Protests**: The letter also referenced comments by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, suggesting support for nationwide protests. The APC warned that the state government’s actions could fuel unrest.
### Prayers to the President:
4. **Special Allocation of Palliatives**: The APC requested that President Tinubu consider sending a special allocation of palliatives directly through the FCT Minister to ensure fair distribution.
5. **Future Palliative Distribution**: They further requested that future allocations go through the FCT Minister to prevent similar issues.
6. **Inclusive Committee Formation**: The APC urged the president to direct Governor Fubara to form a committee with representatives from both political sides for distributing the palliatives.
The letter concluded with a reiteration of support for President Tinubu’s administration and its policies aimed at economic growth and social welfare.
This development highlights the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and raises questions about the management of federal resources at the state level. Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.
