Politics
Pomp As Amaechi Campaign Train Enters Isiokpo
Perhaps nothing else can demonstrate love more than the people of Ikwerre land in Rivers State trooping out on Tuesday in thousands to welcome their illustrious son, Governor Chuibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the re-election Campaign train into the ancient Kingdom of Isiokpo.
He chose Isiokpo, the Ancient Kingdom of Ikwerre land to flag-off his Re-Election Campaign because according to the director-general of his campaign organisation Chief Nyeson Nwike the local government headquarters, is the governor primary constituency, where he received the mandate to govern Rivers State on Oct 26, 2007.
And if the obviously resounding success of the campaign rally in terms of the Unprecedented multitudes that beseiged the Isiokpo modern primary school field that day in solidarity with the governor were to be synonymous with electoral success, then Amaechi would simply walk tall in anticipation of victory at the 2011 governorship election.
The overwhelming turn out of People Democratic Party (PDP) supporters and the people of Ikwerre tingled with the anticipation of this victory perhaps will yield to them new vistas and new surprises. While reflecting on past experiences, Hon. Chuibuike Amaechi said: “I am not just a candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) but also the governor of Rivers State”.
He was on mounting the podium, and based on his past ugly experience perhaps about the ‘K’ Leg’ syndrome began his opening address with a shorus: “you are the lord, that is your name, you will never share Your Glory with anyone….” And in quick succession, he prophetically added:
“I told God don’t let the rain fall because your detractors would say, Governor Amaechi’s campaign train and supporters were chased away from Isiokpo by heavy rain storm”.
Now, he said: “No rain, it means God has answered our prayer and fasting.” “While acknowledging all the solidarity messages from a notable former governor and big wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Amaechi re-emphasised his campaign slogan, when he said: “Our campaign is based on issues not on gossips or personality.”
“My advice is: “if you want to serve the people, put your achievement and ideas on the table, let them examine your record, If you have none, don’t deceive the people.” In his word: “I will no longer give promises but uphold accountability, transparency and sustenance of good governance in the state, If re-elected.” He further elaborated:
“I will no longer give promises but to tell you what I have done with public money,”.
To the Ikwerre people he said: “challenge those who come to hold similar campaign rally here, to tell you what they have done for Ikwerre local government area.” He said: the money my administration hold is your money, so feel free to petition any commissioner who have enriched himself with public money.”
On employment he said: “how else can you create employment except through the massive on- going infrastructural developmental projects embarked upon by my administration in the state.” Again on issue of security, he was quick to react this way: “the issue is over blown, insisting that, before now, the people of the state cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.” He further said:
“Those in Abuja cannot come home because of insecurity created by them, but today, they can come home to campaign and hold political party meetings at night.”
In his words: “Those in Abuja organised the Ateke groups, but today we assure the people that PDP would chase out criminals in their hide-out; so that you will sleep with your two eyes close.”
When other candidates come; he said: “challenged them, what they have provided in Ikwerre local government area.”
“For out of the 19 modern Primary Schools Under Construction in Ikwerre local government area, 13 have been completed”, In addition, “several health centres have already been completed and communities road net work”. And the mammoth crowd was quick to acknowledge with loud ovation and confidence voice vote of “yes”, to the admiration of party big-wigs present at the rally.
In challenging his political opponents, Governor Amaechi said: “Don’t Blame your non-performance on the fact that you were not governors, but I was a speaker, when I influenced the construction of several rural roads in Ikwerre local government areas”. Finally, Amaechi asserted that a vote for him in 2011 was equal to a vote for senator Sekibo George and other candidates on the platform of the Umbrella symbol of PDP.”
While urging Ikwerre local government area to deliver 100 per cent vote cast for President Goodluck Jonathan/Nnamadi Sambo ticket, “vote for me too, because I am an Ikwerre son, Rivers Son, so vote for me.”
However, he said: “wait for INEC to count the vote at the polling station and down load the number of your votes, otherwise, they would rig you, out then, leave the rest for us in Port Harcourt.”
Earlier before Party flags were handed-over to candidates to fly through their constituencies by the state PDP Chairman, Chief Godfrey Ake, Party big-wigs namely, Chief Ombo Isokairari, Prince Emma Anyanwu, the PDP national publicity secretary, Uche Secundus, and former governor, of old Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George had eulogies the qualities of Rt. Hon. Chuibuike Rotimi Amaechi and why he deserved the mandate of the people for 2nd term.
Chief Rufus Ada George the former governor of old Rivers State recalled how Amaechi single handedly introduced him to Chief Maxwell Amadi, late Ofordile and Chief Ajaero (all Ikwerre sons) to assist in the running of the administration of the state.
Chief George said: it was Governor Amaechi that introduced Sir Celestine Omeha and pleaded that Celestine should be made a commissioner instead of him in the state Executive Council.
He further described Amaechi who was special Assistant on Student Affair as a dedicated, transparent and committed student leader.
“One good turn deserved another, so Amaechi should be given another term, to consolidate on the infrastructural development, he has started including restoration of security.”
On his part, Prince Emma Anyanwu said: “Amaechi as a believer in a course and would want to die with that course”.
In his words: “Amaechi charted a course of re-direction and went to the foundation, of development, which include building of primary and secondary education insisting that people of the state should encourage by casting their vote to enable him do more.” He said: The PDP family would give Ameachi the necessary vote to enable him win the gubernatorial election on his part, Chief Ombo Isokariari urged the people to come.
Out enmasse and vote for Amaechi and all the PDP candidate.” If you give 99.9 per cent to President Goodluck Jonathan, give 100 per cent to Rt. Hon Chuibike Amaechi and all the candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives.”
He asserted that, “it is time to do the doing and not to talk the talking.”
Other political big wigs that spoke include, sergent Chidi Awuse, (fondly called the political bulldozer), Chief G.U. Ake, the State PDP Chairman, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Secundus. Chief G.U. Ake said “I predicted 20 years ago that Amaechi would become a governor, but people did not believe me. Today he claimed; “Ikwerre people doubted or did not want to recognise Amaechi because they say, Amaechi is arrogant.”
“Amaechi to me is not arrogant but because of his objectivity, they say he is proud; for he is one man who keeps his promise” Amaechi he said. “brought the Ikwerres to political limelight.”
All the political big wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that presented goodwill messages at the campaign rally at Isiokpo, re-emphasised the need for a 100 per cent vote, from the electorate come, April 16,2011, to enable Governor Amaechi consolidate on his people-oriented projects in the state.
Senate has again approved a three-month extension implementation period for capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from June 30 to Sept 30.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno (APC- Borno) at plenary yesterday.
Monguno, moving the motion, said the extension became necessary given the unutilsed substantial funds released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for implementation of projects under the 2025 budget.
According to him, delays caused by procurement processes, project implementation challenges and administrative procedures had slowed the execution of several critical government projects.
Monguno said many strategic projects across key sectors of the economy were already at advanced stages of completion and required additional time for execution, certification and payment.
“Failure to extend the implementation period of the 2025 Appropriation Act may result in the abandonment of critical projects, the wastage of already committed public resources and the disruption of ongoing government interventions,” he said.
He argued that some allocations contained in the budget might not be accommodated in subsequent appropriation cycles if the implementation window expired.
This, he said would create funding gaps and ultimately undermine development objectives.
He said that extending the validity period of the budget would improve budget performance, facilitate the efficient utilisation of released funds and support economic growth.
“Granting a further extension of the implementation period is in the national interest and will ensure value for money in public expenditure,” he said.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun), supporting the motion, explained that the extension was specifically targeted at the capital component of the budget.
According to him, when President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, there is an understanding that 30 per cent of the budget implementation will be completed by March 31, while the remaining 70 per cent will be rolled into the 2026 budget.
Adeola said that the implementation timeline was not fully achieved, prompting the National Assembly to earlier extend the budget’s lifespan to June 30.
“While we were passing the 2026 budget, due to the non-implementation of that promise, we were forced to extend the budget to June 30,” he said.
He said although payments had commenced, significant obligations remained outstanding.
“There is a need to extend this budget beyond June 30 to September 30, by then, we are hopeful that the outstanding 30 per cent will have been paid in full, while implementation of the components transferred to the 2026 budget can commence.”
Adeola urged senators to support the extension to ensure proper implementation of projects and prevent disruptions to government programmes.
Sen.Victor Umeh (NDC-Anambra), who seconded the motion cited the need to sustain the execution of projects captured under the 2025 Appropriation Act.
“In view of the need to sustain the continued execution of the projects covered in the 2025 Appropriation Act, as amended, I hereby second the motion,” Umeh said.
Following deliberations, Senate President Akpabio put the proposal to a voice vote and it was overwhelmingly adopted by the lawmakers..
Akpabio in his remarks said the decision was necessary to prevent interruptions in payments and project execution.
“The payment would have stopped halfway if this was not done,” he said.
The Senate President commended the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and other lawmakers involved in handling the matter.
He directed that the Senate’s resolution be transmitted to the executive for implementation.
“Accordingly, the resolution of the Senate is being communicated to the Executive that the 2025 Appropriation Act has been extended to Sept 30.
The National Assembly had earlier extended the implementation period of the 2025 budget to June 30, following delays in the release and utilisation of capital funds.
Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary to July 7.
The member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Frederick Agbedi, yesterday emerged as the new Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Agbedi’s emergence follows the resignation of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda of Rivers State, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, creating a vacuum in the leadership structure of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber.
His nomination was contained in a letter transmitted to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, by the minority caucus during plenary, yesterday.
In the letter, the caucus announced that its members had reached a consensus on the replacement of vacant principal offices allocated to opposition parties in the House.
Abbas, while reading the letter said, “The election of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the minority members of the 10th Assembly hereby unanimously nominate the following members by consensus to fill the vacant positions of the minority in the parliament.
“Number one is the Minority Leader, Hon Frederick Agbedi.
“Number two is the position of minority whip, and the person they have endorsed is Hon Mansur Soro (APM, Bauchi).
“The last but not the least is my brother from the North-West, Hon Abdussamad Dasuki (ADC, Sokoko) for the position of Deputy Minority Leader.
“Honourable colleagues, today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the whole entire House to congratulate the three people and to wish them all the best in their new positions.”
With the development, Agbedi assumes the responsibility of coordinating opposition lawmakers in the House and articulating the position of minority parties on legislative matters before the chamber.
A ranking lawmaker and one of the longest-serving members of the House, Agbedi has represented Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency since 2011.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the voice of the opposition caucus at a time when defections and realignments continue to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also announced was the emergence of Hon Mansur Soro of the Allied Peoples Movement as Minority Whip and Hon Abdussamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress as Deputy Minority Leader, completing the minority leadership structure in the 10th House.
Speaking after the announcement, Abbas congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and pledged the cooperation of the House leadership.
“The leadership of the House will work with them assiduously in ensuring that we achieve our legislative agenda objectives of this very important 10th Assembly,” he added.
The emergence of the new minority leadership comes amid recent changes to the House Rules governing the selection of principal officers. The amendments, which introduced fresh eligibility requirements, have generated debate within opposition ranks and influenced the contest for key leadership positions.
Shortly after the announcement, a lawmaker from Imo State who had been nominated for the position of Minority Leader last week, Ikenga Ugochinyere, formally withdrew from the race.
He cited the amended House Rules and the new eligibility criteria for principal officers as the basis for his decision.
The latest appointments are expected to restore stability within the opposition bloc following weeks of uncertainty triggered by Chinda’s defection and the subsequent scramble for leadership positions.
Political observers believe the new leadership team will face the immediate challenge of forging unity among lawmakers drawn from different opposition parties while providing effective legislative scrutiny of the executive and the ruling APC-dominated parliament.
For the PDP, which remains the largest opposition party in the House despite recent defections, Agbedi’s emergence is seen as a strategic move aimed at maintaining cohesion within the minority caucus and strengthening its influence in parliamentary proceedings.
In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.
He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.
“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.
The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.
“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.
He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.
Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.
“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.
He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.
“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.
Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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