Politics
Rivers Guber Primaries: Omehia Not Ready For Challenge – Wike
The Amaechi 2011 re-election campaign organisation has described the withdrawal of Celestine Omehia from the governorship race on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State as an expression of lack of confidence in himself and a sure sign that he would have failed woefully in the primaries.
Chairman of the Amaechi 2011 Re-election Campaign Organisation, Chief Nyesom Wike stated this while reacting to statements credited to Omehia that his withdrawal was as a result of lack of transparency in the process that led to the election of delegates for the primaries.
Addressing newsmen at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Wike said: “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have reacted to Omehia’s withdrawal, he picked his intent form to contest the January 9 PDP governorship primaries and has a right to withdraw or remain. What we are reacting to is what he said about the process of election of delegates being marred by irregularities. The Amaechi campaign organization has prepared overtime knowing that we have to mobilise people to vote.”
“This is why we embarked on a tour of Local Government Areas and districts to consult and seek the support of delegates for the primaries.”
“It baffles us to know that the same man who is talking about this had prepared a list of his own delegates and petitioned the party’s national secretariat, unfortunately his list was turned down because you cannot have a right to conduct primaries without the national body recognising the panel in charge of that election.” Wike said.
“The same man who says he wants to contest the election has filed several suits at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. So, the issue becomes, what are you seeking for, was he prepared for this election? Certainly not.”
“You are aware that in 2007, this same man who is talking about transparency never picked an intent form to run for primaries to be governor of Rivers State, yet after the emergence of Rotimi Amaechi as the candidate of the PDP who scored over six thousand votes in that primary, somebody who never picked an intent form was later chosen to be the candidate of the party, he never questioned that there was no transparency, he never questioned that that process was wrong.”
The Director-General further described Omehia’s withdrawal on Friday as a way of saying that he is not up for the challenge. “We wanted a stiff competition but he has chickened out. We, however, thank him for withdrawing and urge him to still remain in the party but if he feels otherwise, we are still willing to challenge anybody at the polls.”
“With Governor Amaechi’s precedence and performance, it is even obvious that the PDP would not make the mistake of opting for another candidate. Even other parties have said that with Rotimi Amaechi as the PDP candidate, they will not contest the election. Rivers people are all waiting for him to get the flag so that they will all come out and vote for him in April.” Wike said.
Responding to allegations that the delegates’ election process was hijacked by some PDP chieftains or marred by some irregularities, Wike explained that it only takes honesty and maturity for people to concede to defeat. “Anybody who loses will always find one excuse or the other to hold onto. Nobody is saying that you must have a hundred percent, but at least to the best of our knowledge, there is a radical change from what used to be; now people have subjected themselves to elections. If they are sure of their story, they should come out and name those PDP chieftains and not to generalise.”
“There is also an appeal process within the party where aspirants can take their complaints to.”
“If we had participated in such irregularities, we would not have wasted time to go round the 23 local government areas mobilising and seeking the delegates support.
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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