Politics
Ex-Chairman’s Defection, A Product Of Greed – Associates
Sixty-six of the seventy
political aides that worked with the immediate past Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Gregory Nwidam who recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Peoples (PDP) have described the action of their former boss as a product of greed and selfishness.
This is as members of Nwidam’s Ward 10 consisting of Bane, Eweh, Bere and Kee-Nwigbara communities in Khana Local Government Area viewed Nwidam’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a blessing to the people, saying “Gregory was an agent of disunity, greed and traitor in APC”.
The aides, who spoke through the APC women leader, Madam Caroline Nagbo, stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Wiiyakara community, just as 2,100 members of the ward who gathered at the same venue said the former council boss is not a force to be reckoned with in the area.
In the communiqué signed by 66 out of 70 Nwidam’s political associates, they disclosed that their former associate who swore with the Altar of God and his family not to betray Governor Amaechi acted without consultation.
The communiqué read by the immediate past Vice Chairman of Khana Council under Gregory Nwidam, Barine Nwiloh, viewed the former chairman’s action as selfish, insensitive and greedy.
The communiqué reads in part: “That the defection of our political associate, Hon. Gregory Nwidam to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without consultation surprises us because he swore with the Altar of God before a congregation that he will not betray Governor Amaechi.
“That we are aware, he was seeking an appointment as Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Khana LGA, a position he held under Governor Peter Odili for six months and two terms as Executive Chairman of Khana LGA for six years, under Governor Chibuike Amaechi. Besides, he publicly declared the immense benefits from Amaechi’s administration. We therefore view his desire as selfish, insensitive and greedy.
“That our position as faithful and committed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unshakeable. That our collective resolve to continuously support the change agenda of Rt. (Hon.) Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi remains irreversible, especially as we anticipate his Excellency’s support for the uncompromising Ogoni 2015 guber ambition”.
Madam Nagbo who led 2,100 members of ward 10 to the meeting said those who defected to the PDP with the former council chairman, were hired from neighbouring local government areas and states.
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.