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.
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
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.
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