Politics
Abe:Group Tasks IGP
Incensed by the alleged
shooting of the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe in Rumuola, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Gokana Progressives, a socio-political group in the state has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to urgently constitute an investigative panel to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the Senator last Sunday.
Senator Magnus Abe was allegedly shot by the police in the state during the inauguration of the Save Rivers Movement (SRM), Obio/Akpor Local Government Area chapter held at College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, last Sunday.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt last Tuesday, the President of the group, Hon Christian Giani averred that the setting up of the investigative panel by the police high command had become imperative considering the precarious nature of the matter.
According to him, the probe would enable the police to unmask the perpetrators of the act and bring them to book as well as exonerate the police from the accusation of partisanship in the political crisis rocking the state.
He condemned the act in its entirety, noting that the act was an affront to the Senator and the entire Rivers South East Senatorial District and called on the Ogonis especially the Gokana people and other well meaning Rivers people to pray fervently for the quick recovery of Senator Magnus Abe.
The former House of Representatives aspirant for Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in 2011 however condemned the activities of some youths who protested at Eleme junction last Monday, adding that the youths instead of bringing solution to the matter ended up in adding more injuries to innocent Nigerians.
He disclosed that the protesting youths destroyed many cars and advised the people of the area to employ dialogue and peace in pursuing the matter than taking the law into their hands.
Hon Giami used the opportunity to commend the state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum for the maturity he had exhibited in handling the political crisis in the state and called on the people of the State to remain supportive to the Amaechi- led government.
“ According to him,this is part of impunity . the right to assembly is also important to the right for life”.
Cross section of participants during the APC Sensitisation Rally at Oro-Obasiorlu Town Hall, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt last Sunday.
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.