Politics
Wike Harps On True Federalism
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that Rivers people are insisting on true federalism because they crave a country where all federating units are allowed to develop in line with their respective potentials and resources.
The governor emphasised that the demand for true federalism simply means that Rivers people believe in a united Nigeria, where no section is denied the control of her resources.
The governor who spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday night when the Rivers State Government hosted the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington to a State Banquet, also called on the Government of the United States of America to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt to cater for the South-South and South-East.
He said: “We are clamouring for true federalism. When you talk true federalism, they think you don’t want to be part of the country. We talk about true federalism as practiced in America. A true presidential system where all the Federating units will be allowed to enjoy their resources and contribute to the centre.
“That means we believe that there must be a country called Nigeria. All of us will work together for the unity of the country”.
He explained that Rivers people seek equity, fairness and justice in the country, stating that the right framework must be established to ensure that all states excel at their pace.
On the request for the United States Government to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said the visa would resolve the issue of equity and justice as the Abuja office serves the north and Lagos office serves the South West.
He assured the American Ambassador that the state “is safe for business,” pledging that his administration will partner with investors, as the right environment has already been created.
“Forget about the media propaganda. This state is an opposition state . Therefore, don’t expect them to say it is the best. But, we are the best state. We are doing everything to ensure that investors do profitable business under the ambit of the law”, Governor Wike said.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington commended Nigerians for the unity of the country.
He said that Nigeria is a great country because of the contributions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria will be great and I expect a super power and a super partner “, he said.
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria was accompanied by the Consul General , John Bray.
Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins, in a welcome remark on behalf of the Rivers State Government, pointed out that Rivers State shared a lot of similarities with the United States of America, especially in the area of the presence of oil resources, love of human rights, justice and fair play.
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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