Politics
Wike Harps On Effective Revenue Drive
The Holy Ghost Rally organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwuruta was the curtain raiser for activities in Government House last week.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom. Wike and his wife, Justice Suzette Wike attended the rally together with other top government functionaries. In his remarks, Chief Wike hailed the church for the success of the programme and promised that his administration will tap from it by sponsoring next year’s edition.
The governor recalled that it was during the rally last year that he got a word of revelation about his triumph at the Supreme Court, noting that there is nothing God cannot do. He reiterated that Rivers State is a Christian state and will do any thing to support the growth of the church.
On his part, General Overseer Worldwide of the Redeemed -Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye prayed and ministered for over 40,000 participants at the prayer meeting. Last Monday, the State Governor, declared open the 105th Quaterly and General Session of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council. He announced that government will take delivery of new vehicles for the royal fathers, but said the car donation will be done in batches.
The governor at the Traditional rulers meeting also announced plan to build a befitting Secretariat for the council and reiterated his resolve to ensure that each of the 23 Local Government Areas has one first class traditional ruler.
Old Port Harcourt Township was agog last Tuesday when the governor flagged off the reconstruction of 10 roads in the area. Wike said the project is in fulfillment of his electoral campaign promise that the area will wear a new look after long years of abandonment.
On his part, caretaker chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government, Mr. Christian Chiokwa thanked the governor for the various projects he has done in the area which included roads, installation of street and traffic lights.
The weekly State Executive Council took place last Wednesday and was presided over by governor Wike. Shortly after the meeting, Wike took time out to visit various project sites including the Pleasure ParK at Rumuola and the Emmanuel Centre at Njemanze and Abonnema Wharf Roundabout.
Last Thursday, two boards were inaugurated by the governor in Government House. They are: State Pensions Board and State -Hospital Management Board. The governor also hosted Bank Executives the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the and later Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oluyole.
Addressing the board members, Chief Wike congratulated them for the appointment, saying the inauguration of the State, Hospital Management Board is overdue. The board is chaired by Chief Silas Eneyo.
The governor said the Board needs to start work immediately considering the renovation and rehabilitation of the various general hospitals in the state. He urged them to remove all hiccups in the state secondary health care management system.
For the State Pension Board, he charged them to be transparent and firm in the discharge of their duties. “We need to radically purge the system and ensure that the right thing is done”, he said.
Shortly after the board inauguration, Chief Wike met with Bank Executives in the State. During the meeting, the State Governor informed them that government want to eliminate all tax duplications and hiccups. Wike also announced that all multiple accounts will also be eliminated to allow for an effective revenue drive and reduction of leakages in the system.
News
Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
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
Politics
Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
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.
Politics
Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
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.
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