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Ahead 2011 Polls: Why Jonathan, Amaechi Should Return

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The gains recorded in the power sector, the availability of petroleum products, the on-going peace process in the restive Niger Delta region and the maturity and stability brought into governance at the federal level in the past two years or so, have left Nigerians with no other choice than President Goodluck Jonathan in the upcoming general elections in the country.

Similarly, the unprecedented and on-going infrastructural development of Rivers State, especially in the health, education and health sectors and the restoration of peace in the hitherto cultism and abduction-plaqued oil and gas hub of Nigeria also favours the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi as the candidate of choice for sustainable progress in the State.

Chief Okah Okechukwu, a prominent community leader in Rivers State, business man and philanthropist in a media chat in Port Harcourt said, the single -mindedness and commitment brought to bear on the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, the development of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region and restoration of sustainable peace in the area by Jonathan were commendable show of able leadership.

 He therefore charged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to key into the vision, commitment and zeal of the President, for the resolution of the Niger Delta challenge in the country.

Okechukwu, who holds the traditional title of Eze Omekwa-Ali I. of Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State also made a case for a constitutional role for traditional rulers in the country.

He said that since human beings are political animals, shielding the traditional institution from partisan politics was not in the interest of national development, arguing that, as revered leaders of the people, traditional rulers Point to their people, the direction to follow at elections, which will benefit them in the long run.

Rallying support for Governor Amaechi, Okechukwu enumerated his achievements and asserted that: “Amaechi is building the state for all of us”. He called on his political opponents across party divides to bury the hatchet and support him to finish the good works he had started in various sectors of the state’s economy.

Answering a question, the Eze Omekwa-Ali I. of Elele berated the former secretary to the Rivers State government and ex-Transport Minister, Dr. Abiye Sekibo for what he called “his insincerity and attempt to divide the state.

Asserting that Rivers is a People Democratic Party (PDP) state in which Sekibo, now in Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was once a key actor., Okechekwu said: Sekibo could have remained in the state PDP to wait for his turn to govern the state

“Abiye Sekibo made a political miscalculation to have moved to ACN to contest governorship of Rivers State. Amaechi has recorded landmark achievements that have made him popular and which have made Sekibo a mis-match in any political contest,” he said.

To another question, Okechukwu said any gang-up of Amaechi’s political opponents against him in the April elections will not work because, “Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo, and Austin Okpara don’t own Rivers State. In this election, it is one man, one vote and I believe Rivers people appreciate Amaechi’s hardwork and will vote him”.

The community leader said it is not true that Amaechi was obliterating all legacies left by his political father and former governor of the state Dr. Peter Odili.

“Has he destroyed the gas plants?,” he queried. Okechukwu said the gas plants were still providing electricity to Rivers people and could have done far better under Amaechi but for the challenges from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

He likened the on-going infrastructural revolution of the Amaechi government to replacing a 6-inches Black/White television with a 14-inches colour television, insisting that the allegation of obliterating Odili’s legacies does not exist.

Replying to a question, the businessman and philanthropist said every good leader like Amaechi has capacity to tolerate and absorb allegations mostly concocted by detractors to distract him.

According to him, the press releases by a group known as Rivers State Project (RSP) should be seen in that light, especially the most recent story alleging that Amaechi dashed himself N27.5 billion Security Votes in three years. He called on Amaechi not to allow himself to be distracted.

Okechukwu, who is Managing Director Ocabique Group of Companies, said he was committed to the success of Jonathan and Amaechi at the April general elections because of the refreshing impact their leadership had made on the citizenry.

He therefore pledged to provide whatever legitimate assistance within his ability to ensure their free and fair election into their present positions.

 The community leader said already, he is providing financial support to a group of ladies  committed to non-violence, peace and the success of the PDP at state and federal levels, pointing out that a new bus has been made available to them to enhance the realisation of their objectives.

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Niger Delta

PDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority

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The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday condemned the state government’s reported plan to establish a state-owned airline.
The party, in a statement by its Edo State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dan Osa-Ogbegie, described the proposal as a misplaced priority and evidence of poor, disconnected governance.
The Tide’s source reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, unveiled the airline plan during a meeting with Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
Osa-Ogbegie said the proposal showed a government out of touch with the pressing challenges confronting Edo State residents.
“At a time of decaying infrastructure and stalled projects, establishing an airline is unrealistic and profoundly insensitive”, he said.
He argued that airlines were capital-intensive and technically demanding, noting that similar state-owned ventures in Nigeria had largely failed.
According to him, Benin has become a shadow of what a modern state capital should be.
He decried poor roads, collapsed urban planning, neglected drainage systems and weak municipal services across the state capital.
“This is a crying shame for a city of Benin’s history, heritage and enormous potential”, he said.
Osa-Ogbegie said several inherited projects had stalled or deteriorated, eroding investor confidence and undermining economic growth.
He accused the governor of pursuing “white elephant projects that offer optics without substance.”
He also cited ongoing flyover projects in parts of Benin as examples of poor prioritisation.
Against this background, he described the airline proposal as diversionary and lacking economic sense.
“When roads are barely motorable and services overstretched, proposing an airline betrays an absence of judgment,” he said.
He urged the government to abandon the plan and focus on people-centred priorities that would improve living conditions and spur growth.
“Edo does not need an airline to fly above its problems. It needs a government ready to confront them on the ground,” he said.
He warned that failure to refocus would deepen perceptions of an administration lacking direction, competence and a coherent development agenda.
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Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara

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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

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Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.
The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

 

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.

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