Tony Okocha, the Rivers State representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Management Board, has refuted allegations made against him regarding the abduction of youths from his hometown, Rumuigbo community, in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Last week, chiefs, youths, and women from the Rumuigbo community staged a protest accusing Okocha of orchestrating the alleged abduction of two individuals, Bobby Owhondah and Chamberlain Owhondah, while they were in Abuja to honor an invitation from the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) regarding a chieftaincy crisis in the community. However, Okocha asserted that he was not a signatory to the invitation.
In response to the allegations, Okocha distanced himself from the purported abduction and demanded that the protesters, led by Professor Reginald Amadi, retract their claims and issue an apology within 14 days. He also challenged anyone with evidence of him using his political office or position to arrest any Rumuigbo indigene to come forward.
Okocha stated, “I am not aware of what they’re talking about, and I want anyone to prove the fact that either in the petition that went to the police, my name is anywhere on any of the documents. I am giving Professor Reginald Amadi and his cohorts 14 days, as allowed by the law, to apologize to me for their attempt to defame my character, or I will press charges against them in court.”
Regarding the political situation in Rivers State, Okocha attributed the tension to a breakdown in communication and agreements. He called for peace in the interest of the people of Rivers, emphasizing that certain agreements were being breached, and amendments would need to be made.
Okocha concluded by stating, “I’m suing for peace.”
