Politics
Problems That Led To Civil War Still Linger – Ekweremadu
The Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed regret that the factors that led to the Nigeria Civil War are still existing among Nigerians, 41 years after the end of the war that lingered for three years.
Ekweremadu who made his feelings known last Saturday in Enugu while answering questions from reporters during his condolence visit to the family of the late Biafran leader, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who died on November 26, this year in a London hospital.
His words: “You see as we speak today, the things that gave rise to the Civil War are still with us and that is why many years after the Civil War, we had the Ife/Modakeke crisis and the problem we still have in Plateau State. Even in Anambra state, we have Aguleri/Umuleri crisis”.
Chief Ekweremadu further said: ”So, these crises are still there. What gave rise to the civil war was massacre of the people who are Nigerians living within Nigeria. You see that such thing is still going on. It is still that same hatred of one another that gave rise to the civil war. We still have them here and there and those problems are yet to be addressed.”
On the late Biafran leader, the Deputy Senate President said Ojukwu was a phenomenon, stressing that each person should do his best to give him a befitting burial.
“Ikemba as a person came before his time. Ikemba lived ahead of his time. He died ahead of his time because his vision, his views are yet to be realized. And I believe surely his views will be realized. And it is at that time Nigerians will begin to realize that Ikemba was a man who saw tomorrow,” he further stressed.
According to him, the best that could be done for the late statesman was for Nigerians to sit down and dialogue to address the unresolved issues to enable Nigerians live as a nation, pointing out that ”As at now we are all managing to survive as one country. It is important to address these problems because they are with us and I do not believe that they are insurmountable”.
He said: “It is possible we find an arrangement to accommodate everybody in Nigeria so that people can live peacefully wherever they find themselves and be able to earn their living without confrontation. For me, Ikemba is a phenomenon and everybody should do his best to give him a befitting burial. Ikemba, people knew him as a humble and focused man. The man inspite of the wealth of his father abandoned the luxury of life and joined the army which at that period was meant for children of the less privileged.”
Ekweremadu also said: “Also in spite of his education, he was prepared to serve Nigeria. And when it became necessary for him to fight, he lived almost like an animal. He did not know what will happen to him in the next moment. What a better sacrifice will a man do than that?
“He loved his people. So what we have seen since his death shows that his people also loved him. I believe that the people of South East and indeed Nigerians will give him a befitting burial”, he further stressed.
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.
-
News4 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics4 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Politics4 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Sports4 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports4 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports4 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy
-
Sports4 days agoNPFL To Settle Feud between Remo Stars, Ikorodu City