Politics
PDP Urges Governorship Aspirants To Drop For Amaechi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked other governorship candidates for 2011 election in Rivers State to withdraw from the race for Governor Amaechi.
This development came to limelight when the Vice president, Nnmadi Sambo who represented president Goodluck Jonathan endorsed Amaechi for a re-election in the 2011 general election following the large crowd that came to witness the formal declaration of Governor Amaechi.
Sambo, said the crowd that came for the declaration was a confirmation that the people would want Amaechi to come back in 2011 and with his good performances, there was no need to change a good leadership.
The vice president commended the governor for transforming and restructuring the state, stating that the national executives of the party and indeed the stakeholders were happy with him.
He also appreciated the people of the state for being wise in their decisions to support Governor Amaechi, saying that their presence at the rally showned their support for Amaechi.
Speaking at the occasion, the former Chairman of the People Democratic Part (PDP) Board of Trustee, Chief Tony Anenih advised that other aspirants whether from PDP or other parties to wait after 2015 as Amaechi would be returned in 2011 in Rivers State.
Anenih said Amaechi can not be replaced now as it was difficult to change a winning team in any competition, stressing that his endorsement had been sealed and stamped by all stateholders.
Speaking to The Tide shortly after the occasion, a House of Assembly aspirants Mrs. Peace Lucky Ideozu said she was not surprise considering the achievement of Amaechi in all the sectors of the economic, adding that his declaration was the confirmation that his a listening person.
The former leader of the Defunct Action Congress in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill advised other aspirants to follow him and bury their ambitions as the large populace have decided to follow Amaechi.
He said after previewing the development and reformation of the state, he decided to bury his ambition and support Amaechi.
According to him, I even offered to buy the nomination form for the governor show that he is on the right part to develop the state to a world class state and city in the country.
The branch Chairman of Nigerian Union of Local government Employee (NULGE) Port Harcourt, Comrade Clifford Paul commended the people of the state for coming in mass to support Amaechi’s reelection bid, adding that this was an indication that the people was happy with his government and policies.
Paul, however, said NULGE in the state was happy that the governor had brought new life in the local government system by removing teacher salaries from the local government allocations, stressing that this has given course to the local government administrators develop the grassroots.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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