Politics
2015: Group Urges Jonathan To Re-Contest
Youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, have urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President, Namadi Sambo to go ahead and recontest the Presidency come 2015.
The youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC) said the nation, as at present, still needed the peaceful disposition of the duo and their sustained effort towards peaceful development of Nigeria and its nascent democracy.
National Co-ordinator of NDYC, Prince Emmanuel Ogba who stated this while addressing newsmen at Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, last Saturday noted that the level- headedness and wisdom of the President and his vice had saved the country from possible break-up due to the Boko Haram sect’s activities and commended them for their enduring spirit and maturity.
“We have seen sustained stability in the distribution and availability of petroleum products, a good sign which began with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua with Jonathan as then Vice President, we have seen sustained and improved power supply,” the co-ordinator said and also lauded the duo for what he described as dogged fight against terrorism.
The group also remarked” we have seen democracy deepened under President Jonathan’s administration,” we have seen a better Nigeria.”
Prince Ogba, who believed that President Jonathan’s successes should be consolidated, appealed to Nigerians irrespective of tribal, religious and political differences, to add their voices in urging President Jonathan to recontest in the next presidential election to enable him consolidate on the laudable progress so far made.
NDYC frowned at the recent revelation that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country were owned by northerners while the Niger Delta, the goose that lays the golden egg own less than 17 per cent.
“What a shame and injustice; he queried and reiterated the group’s stand for 100 per cent resource control for all regions as they contribute to the nation’s economy while the central government pays taxes to host communities stressing that resource control would be in the interest of all regions and not only the Niger Delta.
Reacting to the recent killing of seven foreign nationals in Nigeria by Boko Haram sect, NDYC condemned the act, and backed the President’s stand not to withdraw JTF from the troubled parts of the North ravaged by the sect activities and also suggested that instead of withdrawing the JTF, it should be urged to now begin massive combing of the troubled spots by JTF.
“If the north which is the problem area fronting the so called faceless Boko Haram sect are tired of being Nigerians, it should be allowed to go on its own and let peace reign for those Nigerians that still have faith in the Nigerian project;” Ogba said.
Chris Oluoh
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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