Rivers State Suffers from "Party-Less" Tonye Cole: State, Calls for Bold Leadership

Former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole has described Rivers State as a "party-less state" plagued by confusion and inefficiency.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Cole criticized the current political landscape, where a PDP minister exerts significant influence within both the APC and PDP structures in the state. He argued that this unusual arrangement hinders the state's progress.

Cole's comments come on the heels of Governor Siminalayi Fubara's presentation of the 2025 budget, which proposes a significant expenditure of N1.1 trillion. While acknowledging the state's investments in infrastructure like roads and healthcare, Cole emphasized the need to address broader socio-economic challenges.

Despite the current political complexities, Cole expressed optimism about the year ahead, stating, "This is a year that will surprise a lot of people." He urged Nigerians to remain resilient, reminding them of the state's history of overcoming challenges.

Cole acknowledged the legal challenges surrounding the 2024 budget, highlighting the need for bold leadership. He observed that Governor Fubara, previously known for a quieter political demeanor, has been forced to adopt a more assertive approach to navigate the current situation.