Politics
2015: Rivers S’East Demands Guber Slot
As major ethnic groups
in Rivers State battle to produce the next governor of the state in 2015, a socio-political group, the Rivers South-East Renaissance Movement, has appealed to the two other senatorial districts in the state to concede the governorship slot to the Rivers South-East.
The group which comprises of professionals drawn from various backgrounds at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said it was in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice that the South-East Senatorial District be allowed to produce the next governor.
According to the group’s National Coordinator, Baruda Nwinang, “since the creation of Rivers State and the commencement of the present political dispensation in 1999, the area is yet to produce a governor.”
Nwinang said any attempt to deny the South East Senatorial District the number one office in the state would amount to injustice and oppression of the people of the zone.
He said “among the three senatorial districts in Rivers State, it is only the Rivers South-East Senatorial District that has not occupied the exalted office of the governor of Rivers State.
“We, as the people of Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Opobo-Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai local government areas, are earnestly appealing to the people of Rivers West and Rivers East senatorial districts to support us in our desire to produce the governor of Rivers State, come 2015.
“There are various shades of opinion and agitation for governor in Rivers Sate in 2015, geared toward ethnic orientation, either as Ijaw ethnic group, Ogoni project 2015, riverine or upland.
“The Rivers South-East Senatorial District fits into all the descriptions or requirements as may be canvassed. It is on record that we have not produced the governor of Rivers State.”
The group noted that Rivers West Senatorial District produced Governor Peter Odili while Rivers East produced Rufus Ada George, Celestine Omehia and Rt. Hon. Chibuke Amaechi as governors, saying, “It would be right, fair and equitable for the people of the Rivers South-East to produce the next governor of the state.
“The people of the South-East Senatorial District have always given unalloyed support to the Rivers West and Rivers East senatorial districts when they had the opportunity of occupying the office of he governor of Rivers State,” he said.
International observers during the governorship election in Ekiti State last Saturday.
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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