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Fayose’s Impeachment Move’ll Consume Buhari’s Govt -PDP
The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, declared that the alleged subterranean moves to impeach Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose as the governor of Ekiti State will lead to a total collapse of the administration of President Muhamadu Buhari, if eventually carried out.
The party described as reasonable and justifiable, the letter written last Wednesday by the governor to the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, informing him about the alleged moves to co-opt a section of the judiciary to the devilish plot.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday, the PDP State Chairman, Barr. Gboyega Oguntuase, said the alleged plot to remove the governor would create crisis of monumental proportion that would be difficult for the Nigeria Army to curtail.
Oguntuase branded Fayose as a man of the people and the opposition leader in the country, who commands enormous followership across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“Governor Fayose is not just the Governor of Ekiti State, but the opposition voice in Nigeria. He speaks for all the oppressed Nigerians in the South-West, South-East, South-South, North-Central and even in the far North.
“Removing Governor Fayose from the power is like removing the whole Ekiti who voted for him in all the 16 local government areas of this state. Any war wage against our governor will be resisted by the people from all these zones.
“Governor Fayose has been the most consistent critic of President Buhari’s government, particularly against the poorly managed economy leading to this recession. So, all Nigerians will rise against this evil plot.
“If you look at the results of the 2014 governorship poll, you would think it was a tsunami because he won in all the 16 local governments.
If truly democracy still remains the government of the people, then attempt to remove Governor Fayose will be tantamount to usurpation of the people’s power”, he said.
Contrary to insinuation by some people that the governor only played to the gallery by his letter to the CJN, Oguntuase justified the action, saying, “it was not misdirected since it was reliably gathered that a section of the judiciary was allegedly involved in the evil plot”.
Oguntuase appealed to Onnoghen to do the needful by making the Judiciary apolitical to forestall it from being desecrated by desperate politicians.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State House of Assembly (EKHA) has described the Abuja group, Coalition for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption, which called on the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity to effect the impeachment of the Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose as a group of jesters.
The House of Assembly, which reacted through the Speaker, Pastor Kola Oluwawole said, “if not for their attempt at misleading the public by ascribing to themselves an underserved importance, the House would not have dignified the faceless group and its sponsors with any response, because they are ostensibly chasing shadows.”
The statement read; “For the avoidance of doubts, the Office of the Governor of Ekiti State as well of those of other governors in the country, is established in Part 2, Section 176 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) for a period of four years herein called the term of office while Section 180 (1) listed all the conditions that can make an occupant to cease to hold the office as a governor.
“Also, Section 189 (1) of the same Constitution listed the conditions under which a state governor can be removed through the House of Assembly of such state. Nowhere was it mentioned that the National Assembly has any role to play in the removal of a governor.
“Also, nowhere was it stated that some drunkards can gather after a binge night out and ask for the removal of a sitting and performing governor with executive powers as conferred by section 176 (2) of the Constitution, using doctrine of necessity.
“Most importantly, the EKHA is saddled with the responsibility of oversight functions, particularly with powers on matters of evidence against any political office holder in Ekiti State inclusive of the governor as enshrined in section 129 of the Nigerian Constitution as amended.
“These functions, we have carried out without fear or favour and with so much vigour in the overall interest of the people of Ekiti State.
“However, in carrying out our duties, nowhere and at no time in Ekiti State will this present Assembly and the Executive be at loggerheads because we remain indivisible, inseparable and closely bounded, sharing the same umbilical cord with the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose.
“Therefore, those masquerading as activists in Abuja and calling for the removal of Governor Fayose are nothing but political jesters.
“Unfortunately they are speaking from Abuja and not from Ekiti, thus they have no jurisdiction to cry more than the bereaved in the first instance about government and governance in Ekiti State.”
“Those behind this faceless Abuja group are therefore informed that their agenda is dead on arrival. It is an impossible mission.
“However, in case they are desperate at seeing the removal of any head of government, there is one at their backyard in Abuja, whose removal Nigerians are already clamouring for, having failed to keep his electoral promises, but instead subjected Nigerians to hunger and deprivation, untoward hardships and tendency to dictatorship and absolutism as well as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
“Lastly, for now and forever, let those behind the Abuja faceless group know that as far as the EKHA and the Ekiti People are concerned; On Fayose We Stand. No Apology,” the speaker added.
It would be recalled that a group of civil society organisations under the umbrella of Coalition for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption had last Tuesday urged the National Assembly to remove Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose and prosecute him for abuse of office.
The group, which made the call at a press conference in Abuja, noted that the Assembly has 14 days to do the job or face nationwide protest.
National Secretary of the coalition, Audu Joseph, said the group was making its call because of the several allegations of monumental corruption and criminal conduct against the Ekiti State governor.
Joseph noted that the group turned to the National Assembly because the Ekiti State Assembly was compromised and none of its members would institute impeachment proceedings against the governor.
He disclosed that the coalition has 34 civil society organizations backing it, adding that the coalition was ready to mobilize it members and other Nigerians for a massive protest, if Fayose is not removed by the National Assembly within the period it stipulated.
The group’s demand comes just as Fayose’s wife rained curses on the enemies of her husband.
Speaking during the year’s edition of inter-religious thanksgiving service in the state, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, said it was high time some enemies pretending to be friends were exposed.
She said all the wolves in sheep clothing working against her husband’s administration will be doomed.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
