Politics
Dep Speaker Tasks Youth On Democracy Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly,
Hon. Leyii Kwanee last week urged the youths in the state not to appraise democracy within the perspective of what transpired at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) elections held last month.
He made the call as he played host to a delegation of the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NDSUG) led by its National President, Obada Akpomiemie, in his office.
Hon Kwance explained to the students why they should not view the nation’s democracy in light of the outcome of the NGF election in which he said the state Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi won by a higher vote, but with Jonah Jang’s supporters forming a faction with parallel secretariat in Abuja. He expressed worry over the thought that children and the youth would perceive democracy from the outcome of the NGE election, a situation capable of corrupting their minds and hence might spell doom for Nigeria in the future. He stated that elections and democracy were not subject to manipulations, while expressing optimism that at the end of the day, democracy would prevail, in spite of the activities of what he called anti-democratic forces.
The Deputy Speaker, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Exchange and Mentorship Programme of the Pan-African Parliament, noted that Nigeria was passing through a turbulent time, urged the youth to note that democracy was the best system of governance. He charged them to shun any act capable of derailing free and fair elections, and ensure that they do things right as leaders of tomorrow and the hope of the nation.
The Deputy Speaker was responding to an earlier condemnation of the outcome of the NGF election by Akpaniemie. The NDSUG President had decribed it as a mockery of democracy, saying that its shameful and unexpected. On Friday, a Port Harcourt High Court presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli fixed July 29, 2013 to deiver judgment on a suit between the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree and the State Police Command.
The suit, filed by counsel to the Speaker, Mr Emenike Ebete, is seeking a court order to restrain the police from arresting and interrogeating the Speaker over his concerns on alleged plots to assassinate the State Governor and cause instability and disorder in the state.
In his submission, Mr Ebete urged the court to sustain his application, while quashing the counter affidavit filed by counsels to the defendants for lack of evidence.
He argued that the open letter to the president, on which the defendants based tier counter-affidaut was not signed by anybody, and hence could not be used to investigate the speaker.
While acknowledging that the police had the constitutional right to investigate anybody, Ebete emphasised that there must however, be a provable allegation against the person.
He also submitted that the police were already biased in the matter and so should not be the ones to investigate the matter, alleging that the Feix Obuah –led PDP was using the police to compel the Assembly to reverse its suspension of the Obio/Akpor chairman and councilors, a matter, which he said bordered on abuse of fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, as had been the case since the House adjourned since die in March, 2013 following the lingering crises in the state chapter of the ruling PDP, there had been a lull in all other activities in the Assembly complex. The usual smartness and seriousness with which people went about their daily chores in the complex and missing.
From the security personnel at the gate, through the security details attached to the complex by the state police command, to the various workers in the complex, it has been all dull moment. One does not need a soothsayer to know that the long absence of the legislators has taken its toll on all other activities in the complex. Occasionally, groups of two, three, and above gather to analyse the situation. Most of the discussions last week hinged on what they called presidential interference in the affairs of Rivers State. Some blamed the development in the state as a microcosm of the nature of power usage of Nigerian’s politicians.
This later group blamed the development on the reluctance of the ruling class to make the constitution supreme for fear of losing the control accorded them by virtue of the power they wield through the positions they occupy. They belief is that if the constitution was surpreme, it will guide everybody at all levels.
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.
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