Politics
Wike Tasks Navy On Safe Waterways
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day opened last week’s activities in Government House. For the first time in many years, the wreath laying ceremony fell on a Sunday and the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and other top government functionaries paid their last respects to the fallen heroes at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
Shortly after the ceremony at Isaac Boro Park, Wike addressed legionaires in Government House, where he announced a N100 million rehabilitation fund for both widows of dead soldiers and retired officers’ welfare.
He used the occasion to praise the valour and courage of men of the Armed Forces in securing the territorial and internal security of the country. He especially lauded them for the recent success in dislodging Boko Haram in the Northern part of the nation.
The Rivers State governor was of the opinion that the fund donated by his administration would cushion the hardship and challenges faced by ex-servicemen and their families. He also charged the leadership of the Nigerian legion to manage the fund wisely.
Last Monday, Governor Wike attended the opening session of the “Five Nights of Glory”, a popular evangelical programme by Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt. He also attended the Tuesday edition, but before the programme on Tuesday, the governor met with school principals in the state.
Addressing principals of public schools in the state last Tuesday, Chief Wike was miffed with the revelation made by the officials of Ministry of Education over charges made on students who register for the yearly WASC and NECO exams.
The governor chided the authorities for charging extra fees, despite the fact that he remits the monthly overhead for all ministries to take care of monthly expenses. He was angry that the fees were extra burden to both parents and students. Against this backdrop, the visibly angry governor directed both the commissioner, permanent secretary and the school principals to account for the extra fees charged since the inception of his administration.
The principals and ministry officials according to the directive of the governor were to submit a written record to the office of the Chief of Staff, Government House before the end of last week.
Shortly after the meeting with school principals and officials and officials of the Ministry of Education, Governor Nyesom Wike headed to NNS Pathfinder at Rumuolumeni to unveil 120 Housing Units named Rivers Quarters at the Naval Base.
Speaking while inaugurating the new houses, Chief Wike urged the Navy to use the newly acquired security gunboats strictly to police the waterways in the state.
He said the state government will continue to support the Navy with the needed logistics to protect the nation’s assets, while disclosing plans to construct a second road leading to the Nigerian Navy Base in the area.
Last Friday the state Commissioner for Transport, Deacon Akie Fubara made an inspection visit to the site of the ongoing Bonny/Bille/Nembe Waterfront Jetty project. He used the visit to enlist the support of residents and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is not stalled.
Last Saturday, wife of the state Governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom Wike attended the white wedding ceremony of young Miss Anyanwu, daughter of elder statesman Emma Anyanwu at Corpus Christi Cathedral.
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.
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.
-
News1 day agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
News1 day agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
Featured1 day agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
City Crime1 day ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
News2 days agoEFCC Indicts Banks, Fintechs In N162bn Scams
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction
-
News2 days ago
Situation Room Decries Senate’s Delay On Electoral Act, Demands Immediate Action