Politics
C’River REC Wants Cameras At Polling Units
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River, Mr Mike Igini wants residents of the state to come to the polling stations with their video cameras to record the governorship election.
Igini said in Calabar that “You are free to come to the polling units with your video cameras to record proceedings at every polling unit and collation centre.
“What we want is openness, we want the people of Cross River and Nigerians to take ownership of the electoral process in this country.”
Igini told The Tide’s source that INEC was ready to conduct a free and fair governorship election on Feb. 25, in the state.
He, however, said that politicians, should campaign to get their mandate from the electorate, instead of getting them from the courts.
According to him, politicians had been spending a lot of resources on litigations at the electoral tribunals, hence he advised that such resources should rather be utilised for the development of the country.
“We have spent so much money on tribunal cases. Such money should have been used for development of Nigeria, the REC said.
He said that it was the desire of INEC to put an end to endless litigations at electoral tribunals in Nigeria.
Igini continued that INEC in Cross River was determined to make Cross River one of the states that would start the process that would make politicians to accept election results without going to the tribunal.
The REC said no fewer than three security personnel would be at every polling unit in the state in the forthcoming election.
He advised political parties to provide INEC with the list and pictures of their agents, who would be expected at the polling units for the election.
“The list of all agents of political parties that will be present at every polling unit with their pictures should be submitted seven days before the elections.
“This is to ensure that at every polling unit you have the presence of all the agents,’’ he said.
Igini said that INEC would sanction anybody, who failed to adhere to the rules of the game.
“And to the electorates I say, you have a responsibility, people should not go to polling units to canvass for votes 24 hours before the elections.
“There should be no campaign within that period; we will be watching out. In fact, that was one of the key issues in our security meeting.
“All the security agents should ensure that at every polling unit, those who make the mistake of coming there to canvass for votes will be arrested,’’ he said.
He warned that politicians, who distribute money, during the elections would be arrested.
“On the day of the election, it is a punishable offence to campaign.
“We shall discipline anybody found to have either been distributing money or canvassing for votes at any polling unit,’’ Igini said.
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.
-
News3 days agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
News3 days agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
Featured3 days agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
City Crime3 days ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
News3 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction
-
News3 days ago
US – Nigeria Security Engagement Translating Into Tangible Operational Gains – NSA
-
News3 days agoKing Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov