Politics
Amaechi Bags Chieftaincy Title
Activities in Government House continued in its usual note with the governor attending to state functions during the week. Penultimate Friday, the governor flagged off the Port Harcourt International Fashion week.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi had welcomed the international models and stars who featured at the occasion in a cocktail and listed opportunities that abound in Rivers State in the culture industry.
Returning to the State on Tuesday, last week, Governor Chibuike Amaechi held an inter-governmental meeting during which policies and programmes of government were discussed.
But the peace being enjoyed in the state was disrupted on Tuesday afternoon by the Nigeria Police. It was learnt early on that day that the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Dan Bature, provided cover for Justice Daisy Okocha and other judges who broke into the High Court premises for a meeting.
Attempt by journalists, staff workers and the general public to know what was going on in the court premises which had been under lock and key, was met with stiff resistance as the police shot canister of tear gas to disperse them.
Later in the day, on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari addressed the Press on the development, saying it was a clear sign that the new commissioner of police was on assignment to destabilise the state.
She also described the police action as a precursor to plans by the police to provide security for six Assembly members to impeach Governor Amaechi, and therefore called on the Inspector General of Police, Abba Suleiman to call the police commissioner to order.
“We seek a non partisan, professional police in the state,” she said.
On Wednesday, the people of Emohua LGA paid a solidarity visit to the governor. They were led by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government area, including Chief Andrew Uchendu, Hon Emmanuel Chinda and Vincent Uehendu. The group was received by the Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru.
After several speeches delivered at the reception held in Government House, Engr Ikuru said the Emohua people have through the visit affirmed that they have been liberated from deceitful politicians who have failed them.
The deputy governor thanked the people of Emohua for support to the Amaechi led administration, urging them to, “avoid any person who is coming to deceive you.”
Engr Tele Ikuru reiterated that APC is the party to beat in the State and the nation and lauded the people of Emohua for pitching tent with the party.
On Friday, Governor Ameachi was represented by the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area at the Independence Jumaat Service in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt. He enjoined Nigerians to be steadpast in making the nation great.
On Saturday, the governor visited Emohua Local Government Area. He was given the title of Eze Ogugu I of Emohua by Eze VC B Okor.
On his part, the governor promised to elevate the stool of the paramount ruler of Emohua to a first class. He also promised to expand the 3 – kilometer Rumua Lunde / Rumuche Road and lauded the people for their support.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
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
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