Politics
Forum Wants First Lady’s Intervention In Rivers Crisis
The Forum of elected Female Local Government Executives and Legislators in Rivers State has called on the first lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan to intervene in the political crisis rocking Rivers State bring lasting peace to the state.
The point was made in Port Harcourt, yesterday during a press briefing by the forum.
Addressing the press, leader of the Forum Hon Mauren Tamuno, said Rivers women were very much concerned about the crisis which has “adversely affected our economic activities, jeopardized the existing peace and security in the state and threaning to truncate our hard earned nascent democracy”.
Tamuno who is also the executive chairman of Ogu Bolo Local Government Area, pointed out that Rivers women mobilized support for the massive electoral victory recorded for the president in Rivers State during the 2011 general elections, and called on the first lady to remain the seed sown and help in resolving the crisis in the state.
The forum demanded the immediate transfer of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, as resolved by the National Assembly, and condemned the handling of the House Leader, Hon Chidi Llloyd by the police.
The forum also condemned a statement credited to the Chief Edwin Clark-led Elders forum of the south-south Region, criticizing Governor Amaechi’s administration, and noted that the views are at variance with the wishes of the people of the region.
While pledging the unflinching support to the Rivers State Governor, the forum advice women in Rivers State not to be seen as pawns to achieve illegal political ends in the state, and urged youths not to be used to caused mayhem in the state.
The body also cautioned against “the growing culture of political impunity exhibited of anti-democratic elements in their desperation to destabilise the Governor Amaechi-led Government,” and stated that politics should be seen as a platform to offer service to the people.
The forum also decried the unhealthy political bickering for 2015, which it said has thrown decorum and caution to the wind, and called on the gladiators to exercise restraint, while urging the people to vote according to their conscience in 2015. The forum comprise of all elected female councilors, vice chairman, and female leaders of local government legislative Assembly in Rivers State.
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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