Politics
Oil Theft Worries Governors
Early last week there was a joyous move in Govern
ment House following the release of Archbishop of Province of Niger Delta Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, who spent eight days in the hands of his abductors.
Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe was among the first dignitaries that paid courtesy visit to Rev. Kattey at his country home in Eleme, Eleme Local Government Area.
While calling on Nigerians to join hands with security operatives to arrest the kidnappers of the Anglican Cleric, Abe said anybody involved in the criminal act should be tracked done to prevent future occurence.
On Monday, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru issued a press statement over an alleged report that he had dumped Governor Amaechi.
In a statement signed by Ikuru’s press secretary, Godswill Jumbo, the deputy governor described the statement as malicious and interested to sow seed of discord between him (Ikuru) and Governor Amaechi.
Engr Ikuru while condemning such unethical journalism called on Rivers people to disregard the report saying, “it would be historically and eternally ignominious and disgraceful posterity-wise for anyone to abandon their leader in the middle of the road”.
While away in Abuja, Governor Amaechi convened a meeting of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Tuesday, after the meeting on Wednesday morning, the Rivers State governor told newsmen that the body was worried over the rising oil theft, and dwindling economy, the body therefore, called for the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.
Governor Amaechi returned to Rivers State on Thursday and immediately declared open the Rotary District 9140 Youth Leadership Programme held at the campus of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).
He charged the youths to be good ambassadors of the country by holding their leaders accountable.
Amaechi also used the occasion to comment on national issues as he deplored the poor management of the economy and the increasing poverty rate in Nigeria.
District Governor of Rotary 9140 International, Dr Charles Omianwan, said the programme was targeted at young people in universities and secondary schools in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.
Before conducting members of the Rotary Youths Leadership programme on excursion to government projects on Friday, Governor Amaechi played host to organizers of the Port Harcourt Fashion show on Thursday night. He also attended an all-night vigil where he rededicated the state to God.
Police on Friday attempted to bar Rotary Youths from participating in an excursion to projects executed by Rt. Hon. Amaechi. The youths numbering about 600 were later permitted after explanations by Rotary top hierarchy in the state that the programme was not a political campaign.
After a tour of four star projects comprising of the Elekahia Model Primary School, Ambassador –Ine Kurubo Model Secondary School Eleme , Afam Gas Turbine and Songhai Farm at Bumu-Tai, District Governors of Rotary 9140, Dr Omianwan said, “the facilities on ground are something one cannot comprehend. It’s very fantastic effort from the government of Rivers State”.
On Friday night, Rivers State Governor attended the opening programme of the Port Harcourt fashion show. On Saturday he equally participated in a media programme hosted by Channels Television in Port Harcourt.
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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