Politics
ANPP Rejects Call For State Police
The National Publicity
Secretary of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Mr Emma Eneukwu, said Nigeria is not ripe for the creation of state police.
He stated this recently in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, saying that the call to create state police now would worsen the whole situation because some powerful people in the state would hijack it for their interest.”
Eneukwu urged the Federal Government to device a method that would not allow unnecessary interference from any quarters if state police were to be created.
“ United States of America that introduced state police have come a long way in intelligence, but Nigeria has not matured to that level to call for creation of state police.
“ So introducing it now will affect our young democracy if not cause outright collapse of the entire security network,” he advised
On Fiscal federalism, he said it meant practising federalism in totality, the Judiciary, Executives, Legislatures and all other government institutions must be functional and independent of each other.
The scribe said with what the country was facing now, it would be very difficult to operate fiscal federalism.
He expressed optimism that with attitudinal change, strengthening the anti grafts agencies and other sensitive areas of the government, it may be practicable.
On giving traditional rulers roles in the constitution, Eneukwu said ANPP was in full support because roles went with remunerations and with that, they would be able to perform their duties diligently.
He said with constitutional roles, it would afford them the much needed exposure and determination to serve as watch dogs in their respective domains.
“ This is because they know almost everybody in their respective domains and whoever indulged in bad behaviour can easily be identified and dealt with accordingly.
“ This will go long way in reducing cases of insecurity and criminality in the entire country,” he submitted
He attributed the rate of insecurity in the country to the failure of the traditional ruler’s inactiveness to contain the security challenges in their domains.
He expressed confidence that giving traditional rulers roles in the constitution would be a wake up call to them and would reduce the rate of insecurity in the country.
According to him, “it would also improve on our cultural values, norms and traditions of the people of this country.”
Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, on July 10, in Uyo said the National Assembly, was set to look into the calls for creation of state police in the constitution amendment.
Ike Ekweremadu is also the Deputy Senate President.
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.
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