Politics
Amaechi Visits Market To Buy Fruits
Activities in Government House last week did not
experience any lull despite the absence of the governor for few days from the state.
The International Women’s Day was commemorated by the Ministry of Women Affairs, coupled with various meetings held by the wife of the governor, dame Judith Amaechi with women groups across the state.
The governor’s wife had earlier in the week taken swipes at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for being insensitive to the plight of the kidnapped students at Chibok Secondary School in Borno State.
Speaking through her Media Assistant, Mr. Bekwele Dike last Tuesday, Mrs Amaechi said no responsible organisation would deride the fate and efforts to rescue those innocent schools girls.
She spoke against the backdrop of accusation by the PDP that she had been indifferent to the campaign to release the girls. She said as a responsible mother, she shares in the excruciating pains of parents whose children are still in the hands of terrorists and their location still unknown.
On the same Thursday, the governor returned to the state and continued the usual project site visits, as he inspected ongoing construction works in the state.
On Friday morning, Governor Amaechi visited the popular Fruit Garden Market to buy some fruits. He was nearly mobbed by the excited market women but for security details. He said he decided to buy the fruits himself to show that he was afterall human and is not barred by public office to participate in daily routines of life.
Later in the day, he played host to the Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers at Exectuve Council Chambers, where he decried the attitude of prominent Ikwerre politicians, especially the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who according to the governor, betrayed him.
He used the visit to harp on the need for the Ikwerres to give room for other parts of the state to aspire to be governor, saying he, as a governor, has ensured that development touches all part of the state.
From there, Amaechi proceeded to the Banquet Hall where he addressed women groups under the banner of Forum of Women in Political Positions. After listening to various speeches made by top women politicians and that of his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, Rt. Hon. Amaechi enjoined the women to rise up to the challenge of aspiring to political positions.
He urged the women to form “political cells”, to ensure they monitor and protect their interest during the 2015 elections. He also promised to support the loan scheme for women and to offer scholarships to women to study abroad.
On Saturday, the governor represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha, paid condolence visits to APC faithful who lost their loved ones.
He first visited the Umunakwe family in Rumueme over the loss of their mother, Madam Eunice Emeh.
From Rumueme, the Chief of Staff proceeded to Rumuokparali for the burial of Mr. Azuwene Wrokor, and also paid a condolence visit to the family of Elder Ogondah Worlu at Rumuichi Worlu in Rumuigbo. He also inspected the new Obio/Akpor APC office at Rumuigbo.
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.
-
News1 day agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
News1 day agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
Featured1 day agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
City Crime1 day ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
News2 days agoEFCC Indicts Banks, Fintechs In N162bn Scams
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction
-
News2 days ago
Situation Room Decries Senate’s Delay On Electoral Act, Demands Immediate Action