Politics
Abe, Peterside, Others Hail Amaechi’s Victory
The people of Rivers State
have described last Friday’s Supreme Court Judgment in favour of Governor Chibuike Amaechi as a victory for democracy.
The Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe said the judgement by the Supreme Court is a victory for true Rivers people.
Addressing journalists shortly after the judgement that put an end to the move to remove Governor Amaechi, Abe said the judgement has shown that the governor cannot be removed unlawfully and illegally.
“I believe that any right thinking person will agree that it is time for us to put some of these things behind us.Since last year, there has been a concerted attempt to remove the governor from office and overthrow the Government of Rivers State by force and there is no provision in our constitution for that kind of behaviour.
“For us to turn Rivers State into a theatre of war because of the ambition of any single individual is morally, politically and spiritually wrong. We cannot kill ourselves here because of anybody’’,he said.
Also speaking to journalists, a member, representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency,Hon Dakuku Peterside said the Supreme Court’s judgement was an indication that the judiciary is truly the hope of a common man.
According to him, “We have always had confidence in the judiciary, that is why we have not resulted to violence. We have absolute confidence first in God ,and secondly in the institution of the Supreme Court to be able to do justice according to the law.
‘’It is not about emotion and sentiments, we are glad that the Supreme Court did not disappoint the people of Nigeria and that its actions have deepened democracy.”
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha said the Supreme Court judgment has ended speculations that Governor Chibuike Amaechi would be removed from office before the end of his tenure.
He said the Supreme Court’s verdict is a judgement that has sealed the move by detractors to unseat Governor Amaechi.
According to him, “My happiness is that it has ended the long speculations by failures who go around deceiving people that the governor would be unseated.
“With the judgement, the government will now sit down and concentrate on moving Rivers State to a greater height.”
The Board Chairman, Rivers State Sports Council, Charles Paul also hailed the judgement, describing it as a victory for democracy.
He assured that Amaechi will now settle down to take the people to the promised land.
‘’It is obvious that we are celebrating, it is a victory for democracy and victory for Rivers state. Others should come together to help Governor Amaechi build the State, the present government meant well for the State”, he said.
The Chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government ,Chimbiko Iche Akarolo said the Supreme Court’s judgment was not a surprise.
According to him,the Apeal Court can err, but the Supreme Court can not joke with the facts on ground.
He said it was clear before now that Omehia was a pretender and “for a pretender to come back and say he was interested in a suit that has to do with the elongation of tenure is slapping the Supreme Court in the face.”
The Obio/Akpor Peoples Forum, through its chairman, Mr Alex Chukwu also joined the people of the State to commend the judgment, just as the chairman of RIVLEAF, Alex Wele said the judiciary has again raised the hope of Rivers people, urging the people to join hands with the government to develop the State.
People queuing to register as APC members at Lere North Ward in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State, last Friday. Photo: NAN
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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