Politics
Rivers Sends Flood Alerts To 14 LGAs
Activities in Government House was on the low last
week, however governance activities continued as usual. One Ministry that took the centre stage last week was that of Special Duties following a flood alert in about 14 local government areas in the riverine axis.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Dickson Umunakwe invited local government chairmen in the affected areas to alert and brief them on modalities on tackling the menace headlong.
Though about five caretaker chairmen attended the meeting, it was agreed among others that emergency committees be set up in the councils in Ahoada-East, Ahoada West, Bonny and Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni.
The Ministry of Environment last week Saturday corroborated plans by that of the Ministry of Special Duties to tackle flooding. In short last weekend, Environmental Sanitation exercise provided a platform for Environmental Health Officers to inspect the city.
Head of Environmental Health/Monitoring who represented the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nyema Weli warned residents and property owners to avoid building on water ways to avert flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET).
The Environmental expert warned that henceforth the Ministry will start enforcement to deter others. He also announced plans by the Ministry of Environment to beef up its monitoring and enforcement in all parts of the state.
Also within the week under Review, the authorities of Akuku Toru Local Governmetn Area were joltted by a threal by one Ajagidi Asawari on Governor Amaechi over his planned visit to Kula Community.
Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of AKULGA, Hon Stanley Denebo in responding to the statement by Asawari urging the governor and his entourage to learn swimming skills before embarking on any visit to Kula said that does not represent the view of the Kula people, but that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon. Benebo further noted that Asawari was sponsored to make such statement, since the people of Kula hold the governor in high esteem and have benefitted immensely from his developmental strides.
In the words of the AKULGA Chairman, “the governor has the right to visit any community to familiarise himself with the people he governs”.
Hon. Benebo also added, “the appointment of the caretaker chairman, a Kula son for the first time is an indication of Governor Amaechi’s love and interest in Kula Kingdom. He has given Kula sons scholarships, built schools and health centres and rehabilitated the Kula Water Scheme”.
Hon. Benebo therefore called on the security agencies not to treat Asawari’s threat with kid gloves but to investigate him, since he (Asawari) has been linked to criminal activities in the past and has been terrorising the Oceania communities with his group.
Governor Amaechi was in the United States of America (USA) at the weekend for the continuation of his “Meet the People Tour”. The forum enabled the governor to explain his policy objectives, his challenges and success so far in government. He had already visited Ikwerre Local Government Area before heading to the USA.
An empowerment scheme organised by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area held last weekend with over 250 women being provided with skills acquisition equipment. The women were trained in crafts such as bead making, hat making, soap and cosmetics making .
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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