Politics
We Will Protect And Defend Our Citizens – Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike started last week on a con
gratulatory note. He congratulated former Senate President, senator David Mark on his victory at the senatorial re-run elections. In a congratulatory message through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Barrister Wike opined that Senator Mark’s victory at the Benue South Senatorial District elections is an indication that Mark is loved by his people.
The Rivers State governor, however, called on the former Senate President to play his stabilizing role at the National Assembly for the present dispensation to benefit from his vast experience in legislative matters.
On Sunday, last week, Governor Wike visited the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone operated by INTELS Group. The governor said the state government would provide enabling environment to attract major investors to the state.
He commended INTELS Group for its massive investments in Rivers State which have impacted positively on the economy of the state.
On Monday, last week, the governor visited Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The visit was aimed at finding lasting solution to the violence and mayhem that had engulfed the area since last year.
Irked by the levity and non-challance displayed by the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West, Governor Wike announced their suspension. The Rivers State Chief Executive observed that the state of security in the three local government areas should be a source of worry to all stakeholders.
In the light of the insecurity in the area and anxiety it has caused the people, Governor Wike ordered security agencies to be more proactive. He charged traditional, religious and political leaders in the affected areas to work with government in order to return peace in the four LGAs.
On Wednesday, last week, Governor Wike was at the NNS Pathfinder naval base to unveil 25 Epenal Security Boats acquired by the naval high command to boost fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta.
At the occasion attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin and Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok, Governor Wike pledged the support of Govenment in the fight against sabotage on state resources.
Later on the same Wednesday, there was a State Executive Council meeting presided over by the State Chief Executive. Shortly after the State Exco meeting, a statement from the governor’s aide on Electronic Media, announced the lifting of suspension on the three LGA chairmen.
Governor Wike also during the week attended the 50th birthday celebrations of former Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru. He poured encomiums on the state former number two citizen, and urged other politicians to emulate his steadfastness and loyalty.
The governor on Thursday visited Bori and Yeghe communities in Ogoni to ascertain the level of damage to lives and property after Monday’s violence in the area. Wike condemned the level of damage and death and promised that government would ensure that those who lost their loved ones are supported. He, however frowned at the attitudes of politicians who want to grab power by force.
On Friday, Governor Wike had three courtesy calls at a go. First, he played host to the new Methodist Archbishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sunday Agu and to the new Executive Council of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He also played host to Miss Nigeria, Pamela Nigboro and from there proceeded to inspect project at Nembe Waterside and Oro-Igwe road.
On Saturday, Governor Wike and his counterpart from Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose addressed crowd at the PDP Special Thanksgiving Service for the Supreme Court judgement that confirmed the Governor Wike mandate at Gowon Stadium Elekahia.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
