Politics
Soku Community Backs Amaechi
The people of Soku com
munity in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have pledged their support for Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for appointing their son, Mr Christain Livingstone Otiasah as the chairman of the caretaker committee of the council.
They also expressed appreciation to the governor for elevating the stool of the Amanyanabo of Soku to second class.
In an address presented during the maiden visit of the chairman to the community, the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr David Otiasah, said that the appointment was apt as the chairman was capable of adding value to good governance in the area.
The community urged the new chairman to assist them by liaising with the JTF to contain the activities of sea pirates and kidnappers, as well as construct two pier latrine toilet houses.
In his response, the chairman commended them for appreciating his appointment, and promised to extend to the governor their appreciation.
He assured that his committee would look at the possibility of constructing a befitting town hall as well as renovating and reactivating the existing community library.
He called for interfaces between the committee and chiefs / people in the course of his administration in order to carry the people along within the short period of their stay in office.
The council boss said that his committee was in hurry to make a mark in the well-being of the people, pointing out that they cannot afford to dash the high expectation of the people.
He condemned the activities of hoodlums, and vowed that as the chief security officer of the area, he would strive to contain any security breach.
In another development, the chairman has called on traditional rulers to give support to the committee in the administration of the council.
The chairman made the call when he led members of his committee to visit the Amayanabo of Abonnema (Owukori IX), His Royal Majesty, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, and Amayanabo of Soku, His Royal Highness, Chief Karibi Nanqwo and their council of chiefs.
He urged the traditional rulers and chiefs to assist in maintaining law and order in their domains
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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