Politics
Parties Agree On Peaceful, Fair Polls In Rivers
Political party chieftains
in Rivers State have underscored fair treatment by security agencies, avoiding inflammatory statements and shunning politics of bitterness by politicians as ways of achieving a fair and peaceful polls next month.
The party chieftains covering about 26 political parties in the State made their view public during a interactive session organised by the State Police Command at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Davies Ibiamu, Ikanya appealed to the police and other security agencies not to be partisan in their duties.
Chief Ikanya stated that the party would abide by the code of conduct, but insisted that other parties should be made to abide by the rules, “for us, we don’t have any option if you are ready to play by the rules.”
The APC chieftain also called on the police to investigate the recent bombings of its secretariats in Okrika and Andoni local government areas, stressing that once those who are planning mayhem are exposed, it will serve as deterrent to other parties.
On his part, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah denied that the party was engaged in violent and lawless acts reasoning that the APC was accusing the party without waiting for thorough investigations by the police.
Chief Obuah stated that the PDP had always abided by the rules and will not contravene electoral code of conduct, and challenged the police to investigate and arrest those destroying the party’s banners and posters across the state.
In the view of Obuah, “ we need to show love, unity to our followers so that they avoid politics of rancor and bitterness. Politics is not a do-or-die affairs, but is live and let us live”.
Chairman of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the State Deacon Enyi Princewill called on the police to regulate campaigns in the local government area, so as to avert clashes by political parties.
Deacon Enyi reasoned that political parties should plan their campaigns in such a way that would avoid clash with the campaign of another political party, citing the Etche and Omuma rallies by the PDP and APC as capable of igniting violence.
Cross section of lawmakers at sitting of the House of Assembly during presentation of the 2015 Appropriation Bill by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi last Thursday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
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.