Politics

INEC: Preparing For March 19 In Rivers

Published

11 years ago

March 14, 2016

L-R: Head of Departement,Voters Education, INEC, Rivers, Mr Godfrey Achebe; Administrative Secretary, Rivers, Mr Tom Ongele and Rivers Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, during a meeting with Rivers INEC Staff in preparations for the March 19 re-run Election in Port Harcourt, recently

From Abua to Andoni,
Opobo/Nkoro to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, from Khana to Akuku Toru, Etche to Eleme, they converged on the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Aba Road Port Harcourt. The date was Tuesday, March 8, 2016.
They said their gathering was to have a family meeting and when the roll call was taken, not one of the Electoral Officers (EOS) of the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State was missing. They came in their full number. They came in their full strength with an appreciable compliment of their staff at the local government offices.
This was not the first time the premises of the INEC Office on Aba Road was hosting critical stakeholders in the electoral process in Rivers State in preparation for this week’s re-run legislative elections in the state. A meeting of all the political parties and their candidates for the elections with the management of INEC had held earlier.
Ditto for security agencies and their operations, and civil society groups in those meetings, INEC engaged with the stakeholders as the one of the helm of affairs, to acquaint them once again with the guiding rules and regulations of process and to extract from them a commitment to abide by the rules of engagement for a free, fair and credible exercise . In talking about expectations from the stakeholders, the commission was also mindful to make commitments with regard to its own expectations.
The meeting of March 8, was therefore part of the commission’s own strategy of equipping and organising itself to face the challenges of delivering its own side of the bargain to achieve a successful outcome of the March 19 outing. To underline the importance of the meeting, all offices were ordered to be closed and all officers surmounted to be part of the gathering. Little time was spared for any protocol except a brief praise, worship, and prayer session to invite the Spirit of God for direction and divine enablement for the enormous task shead.
Like a responsible head of the family who has a firm grasp of the issues confronting the group, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, did not only resolve to speak the truth with his members but to render it bare and undecorated.
Indeed, he spoke like one with the conviction that only the acquaintance with the truth of how far they had deviated and thereby put themselves in much jeopardy could bring them back to the path of rectitude and redemption.
In no uncertain terms, the REC told his staff that they had strayed from their core values of independence and non-partisanship. He said it was unacceplable that division along political lines had been allowed to creep into the commission thereby weakening the commission and making it vulnerable to the intrusion and manipulation of politicians.
Elder Ikoiwak said elections will remain a mirage if INEC personnel find it difficult to distance themselves from politicians and desist from aiding and abetting them to corrupt the system, noting that it was no longer hidden that staff of the commission sometimes engage in delivering electoral materials to politicians in hotel rooms and such other unlawful places to their shame and damnation.
The INEC boss charged them to derobe themselves of all vestiges of bias and allegiance to any other interest and work as officers who are proud of their job and worthy of their engagement by the commission. He said that, beginning from the coming elections, staffers of the commission will continually be under surveillance by independent monitors whose reports will determine their fate.
He emphasized that he will not hesitate to deal decisively with any recalcitrant personnel whose conduct or misconduct compromises the responsibility of the electoral umpire, adding that sanctions will include but not hinted to, dismissal from office of such staff.
“At the end of this election, I hope nobody will come to my office and roll on the ground begging for forgiveness because I will personally see to it that any staff who engages in anything unlawful to embarrass the commission and compromise the fidelity of the electoral process is taken out of the system,” he warned.
To demonstrate the commission’s resolve to strictly adhere to its guiding rules, Elder Ikoiwak said the old practice of receiving application from intending adhoc staff had been jettisoned.
In its place, he said, requests had been made to the heads of federal institutions including the NYSC, University of Port Harcourt, Federal College of Education, Otuoke, and the Federal University. Otuoke, Bayelsa State for personnel to undertake the assignment.
He explained that even though INEC was not involved in the direct recruitment of the adhoc, staff, the commission retains the responsibility of protecting and being accountable for its materials and charged his staff to rise up to the challenge of safe keeping of the materials and ensuring that they are delivered only to those whose duty it is to handle them.
He assured the staff that everything necessary and needful was being done to enhance their effective and efficient performance and implored them to also prepare themselves to make necessary sacrifices to achieve success. The REC urged them to take no satisfaction in any other than the pride of delivering on the mandate of the commission to superintend over a free, fair and credible poll.
At the end of his address, there was total agreement and endorsement of all he had said. Ass it were, the REC did not only succeed in correctly identifying the gaps that exist within the electoral body and how to bridge them, he also succeeded in bringing the staff to making a commitment to turning a brand new leaf towards achieving the overall goal of a transparent, open, and acceptable conduct of the March 19, 2016 re-run legislative polls in Rivers State in particular.
Speaking on the development, the Rivers State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Oliver Wolugbom, expressed the view that the March 19, re-run elections present INEC with a golden opportunity to redeem its badly smeared image in the state.
Mr Wolugbom said it was encouraging that INEC was talking to itself and reviewing its activities and performances in the past with a view to making amends and rededicating itself to delivering on its core mandate.
“INEC must stand its ground and take responsibility and charge over this election,” he said adding that to this end, the commission should have only its personnel as collation officers in all the 319 electoral wards in the state.
For the purpose of accountability, the NOA boss proffers that the bulk of the adhoc staff should be staffers of INEC so that the commission can have a greater grip of the activities and performance of the personnel. To achieve this objective, he said, it would not be out of place for the electoral body to empty itself into Rivers State from Surrounding states.
According to Mr Wolugbom, the more non-staffers of the commission are engaged in the exercise the greater the chances of comprise in the system, insisting that whosever is engaged must be impressed upon to do only that which is fit and proper to deliver a desirable outcome.
The NOA Director reiterated that the groundswell of misgivings against the commission has aggravated the need for it to acquit itself creditably and enjoined the electoral umpire to adequately equip and educate all its personnel to be deployed for duty.
In truth, the eventual outcome of the March 19, re-run elections in Rivers State is a shared responsibility among the stakeholders including the security agencies, civil society organizations, the political parties and their candidates and the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, it cannot be gainsaid that no one singular role or function is as vital as that of the umpire whose statutory responsibility is to coordinate all others to achieve the desired end.
It is worthy of commendation that the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his staff realise and appreciate this fact. But just being aware and appreciating the task in only the half of the job. The other and the most important part is the practical demonstration of the rhetoric. Nigerians are watching and Rivers people cannot wait for INEC to either redeem itself and shame its critics or to disappoint itself and prove the critics right and earn the damnation of condemnation of the people.

Opaka Dokubo

Featured

2027: Be Politically Neutral, Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the State to maintain neutrality, ensure fairness and uphold peace in their domains as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt.

The governor said the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.

“Let me therefore, request, if that is the right word to use, that please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promoted peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to the division and multiple crisis that we cannot manage as a government.

“I think with that, we can all live as one and we can also continue to make this progress that we are trying with all our mind, our body and our soul, to ensure that we deliver to our dear State,” he said.

Fubara urged the royal fathers to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of stability and progress of the State.

He also enjoined them to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State.

“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I’m saying here, it is what I’ve also practiced and displayed in my day-to-day life in the governance of our dear State,” he said.

On the appeal for improved welfare for traditional rulers, the governor clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests they made in the past was not from the government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.

Fubara explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by the local government councils, was a statutory benefit provided for in the constitution and not what a state governor can change by mere verbal pronouncements.

He assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office, next year.

He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support.

The governor urged the royal fathers to ensure that the combined quarterly meeting featured fruitful deliberations that will strengthen peace and development in the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed profound gratitude to the State Government for its efforts in maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.

Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their closeness to the people places them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership in their respective communities.

The royal father drew the attention of the State Government to some challenges affecting the performance of the traditional institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support needed to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.

News

FG Must Address Nigerians’ Concerns On Reforms -Shettima …Warns Against Misuse of AI, Social Media

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Federal Government to pay greater attention to Nigerians’ concerns about ongoing economic reforms, insisting that public confidence must be built through transparent communication, credible evidence of progress and responsiveness to citizens’ experiences.

Shettima made the call yesterday at The Duke’s Masterclass 2026, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua.

The Vice President said the success of the administration’s economic policies would depend not only on their implementation but also on the government’s ability to demonstrate tangible results and address the challenges confronting citizens.

“Government must continue to communicate, however, its policies clearly, demonstrate progress with credible evidence, and listen attentively to the experiences of citizens,” he said.

Shettima defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange market liberalisation, fiscal restructuring and revenue mobilisation, describing them as measures intended to correct longstanding economic distortions and strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.

He explained that the policies were designed to attract investment, improve business confidence, enhance the deployment of public resources and establish conditions for sustainable economic growth.

However, he maintained that announcing policies was insufficient without building public understanding and confidence in their implementation.

The Vice President particularly challenged Nigeria’s elite, professionals and middle class to acknowledge the difficulties facing ordinary citizens while explaining the objectives of the reforms.

“Your role is not to defend every government action uncritically, nor to dismiss the concerns of citizens. It is to help create a more informed and constructive national conversation,” he stated.

He urged professionals engaging traders to recognise the pressures confronting businesses and advised those interacting with young graduates to acknowledge employment challenges while encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to him, constructive criticism and informed public participation are essential to effective governance and the sustainability of economic policies.

“Constructive scrutiny strengthens governance. Informed public participation strengthens democracy,” Shettima said.

He further stressed that leadership required the flexibility to adjust policy implementation in response to evidence and changing economic circumstances without abandoning established objectives.

Turning to the challenges of artificial intelligence and social media, the Vice President warned that technological advances were increasing the speed and sophistication of misinformation, posing risks to public confidence and institutional reputations.

“A photograph can be manipulated, a voice can be cloned, and a video can be fabricated just with a simple prompt on social media to make an individual appear to have said or done something that never happened,” he warned.

Shettima urged public institutions to strengthen information verification, correct false claims transparently and communicate through trusted channels, adding that speed should never take precedence over accuracy.

He also called for improved digital literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

On economic opportunities, Shettima identified banking, financial technology, oil and gas, agriculture, real estate, construction, commodity exports and the creative industry as sectors capable of supporting investment and employment.

He nevertheless acknowledged the need to address unreliable electricity, inefficient transportation, insecurity, limited access to finance and weaknesses in education and public institutions.

He called for stronger domestic production, export expansion and support for small businesses, while urging that economic opportunities be extended to women, young people and rural communities.

In his opening address, the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru, warned that poor leadership decisions and inadequate crisis preparedness could destroy institutional credibility.

“Reputation cannot be manufactured at the point of crisis. It is built over time through our decisions, our conduct, our values and the consistency between what we say and what we do,” he said.

Ashiru noted that geopolitical tensions, technological changes and economic disruptions were making leadership increasingly difficult, requiring organisations to strengthen accountability, transparency and crisis management.

He disclosed plans to extend the masterclass to London in March 2027.

Also speaking, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, recounted his involvement in international conflict resolution, particularly negotiations surrounding South Africa’s transition from apartheid and political tensions in Bangladesh.

He stressed that successful mediation required a thorough understanding of the issues dividing opposing parties, the interests of their leaders and the appropriate timing of public communication.

“Because if you communicate the progress prematurely, you might sabotage the whole process,” Anyaoku said.

The Chairman of AXA Mansard and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, criticised Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, arguing that public institutions and businesses should be judged by service delivery rather than explanations for poor performance.

“Rather than giving people megawatts of electricity, we are giving them excuses,” he said.

Adesina also condemned corruption, inflated public contracts and failures of accountability, warning that such practices weakened infrastructure, damaged public trust and endangered lives.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, Joseph Edgar, explained that the masterclass was designed to equip organisations and individuals with practical strategies for anticipating crises, managing their consequences and protecting institutional reputations.

He said the initiative complemented the foundation’s use of theatre to promote social cohesion and strengthen public engagement.

Politics

My Administration’ll End Political Acrimony In Rivers – Chinda

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State in the forthcoming 2027 election, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, has vowed to run an all inclusive administration that would ensure political harmony in the state, if elected into power.
Hon. Chinda, who is also the preferred governorship candidate of the Rainbow Coalition, said this shortly after he was unveiled along side other candidates of the political arrangement at a grand rally in Port Harcourt.
He said the coalition was committed to ending political divisions and promoting unity among the various political parties in the state.
Hon. Chinda also promised to make Rivers State experience peace, progress and development during his tenure as governor of the state.
“We are no longer divided on party lines.We are no longer playing the politics of the winner takes it all’’, he said.
Hon. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the other candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, said the coalition’s vision extends beyond electoral victory, adding that its proposed government would accommodate people, irrespective of political affiliations, gender and religious belief.
“We are going to run a government for the people, with the best interests of Rivers people first,” he said.
Hon. Chinda also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, for bringing political stakeholders together under the umbrella of the Rainbow Coalition, while lauding Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting flags to the candidates.
He expressed optimism that the alliance would promote peaceful elections, a smooth transition of power and development projects capable of improving the lives of Rivers residents.
While presenting flags to chosen candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, Governor Fubara called on members of the Coalition and his supporters to put past disagreements behind them and work together under a common leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged Chief Wike’s role in his political journey and described the Minister of the FCT as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition.
Governor Fubara said the political groups had come together as one family and should no longer maintain separate camps.
He also pledged to support the coalition’s candidates and President Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing optimism that cooperation among political stakeholders would strengthen the alliance.
Also speaking, Chief Wike urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties across the country to support President Tinubu’s re-election.
He called on politicians to set aside party differences and work together towards the coalition’s political objectives.
Chief Wike said the Rainbow Coalition represents a common political platform for stakeholders from different parties who had agreed to support the President and candidates seeking elective offices in Rivers State.
He also urged PDP members in Rivers, Kwara, Ogun and other states to support President Tinubu, while calling for support for the coalition’s candidates contesting the governorship, National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
The former Rivers State governor also addressed divisions within the PDP, rejecting attempts to portray him as merely a factional leader of the party.
He further criticised some opposition figures over their political ambitions and records in public office, particularly former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, former Senator Magnus Abe has also called on Mr Amaechi to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential arrangement with Alhaji Abubakar and support President Tinubu.
Senator Abe argued that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria, insisting that political leaders should respect the principle of power rotation between the North and South.
He recalled the controversy surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, arguing that Mr Amaechi had previously opposed Dr Jonathan’s ambition on the grounds of power rotation.
“Today, the same man who led us to go against our son and our brother is now trying to lead us to go and support somebody from the North when it is the turn of the South.
“On behalf of all of us here gathered in Rivers State, we want to call on Amaechi to immediately respect his own position and resign as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar, because it is the turn of the South, and Rivers State will stand by the agreement between the North and the South,” he said.
Senator Abe also reaffirmed the coalition’s support for President Tinubu, declaring: “We are not just with Tinubu, We are with Tinubu. We are for Tinubu. We are by Tinubu. We are in Tinubu. We are Tinubu here in this coalition”, Senator Abe declared.
The event featured the presentation of candidates for various elective positions under the Rainbow Coalition.