Politics
Ex-PDP Councillors Endorse Wike
The success of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) non-elective convention penultimate Saturday reverberated in Government House with Governor NyesomWike leading top party stalwarts to Abuja. The party ratified the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s Caretaker Committee and thereafter extended its tenure by three months for a final convention in December 2019.
Returning to the State after the Abuja Convention, Chief Wike played host to the National Executive Council of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) in Government House.
The Rivers State Governor during the visit underscored the need for science and technology education in the country. He said, “Nigeria cannot develop unless the nation invests in the teaching of science and mathematics at all levels.”
He also used the visit to call for better governance in the country as he reasoned that the recent clamour for restructuring was as a result of bad governance, lack of equity and fairness.
Later on the same Tuesday, Chief Wike took time off to inspect ongoing projects in the state. Among projects visited were the ongoing reconstruction of Court of Appeal, Akpajo/Elelenwo road, the remodelled State Produce House, the National Industrial Court Complex and Woji/Akpajo Link road.
Last Wednesday, the governor played host to thousands of ex-PDP Councillors on a solidarity visit. Chairman of the body, Mr. Love-God Nweze declared that members of the forum were satisfied with Governor Wike projects and achievements so far in the state. He said, “we commend the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for the execution of people-oriented projects across the state.”
Also within the week, the deputy governor commended the security agencies in the state for their efforts at curbing security threats in the state. Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo spoke through her Special Assistant on Security, Elder Emmanuel Ibama during a security meeting between the Joint Task Force (JTF) commander and the Chairmen of Caretaker Committees of Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
Last Friday, the governor through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media Simeon Nwakaudu announced the dissolution of Panel to Review Classification of Chieftaincy Stools. In the statement, the governor urged the chairman and members of the committee to hand over all documents in their possession to the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Also in a statement last Friday, the governor announced the reinstatement of suspended Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Ogu Bolo and Gokana Local Government Areas. The CTC Chairmen were directed to resume immediately.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Wike, Engr. Emeka Woke, led PDP stakeholders in Emohua Local Government Area on a condolence visit to the family of late Bright Ikonwa, a former CTC Chairman of Emohua LGA.
Woke said the PDP in Emohua had lost one of its pillars and assured the family of the party’s support. Earlier, Chief Emmanuel Wonodi described late Ikonwa as a trusted party faithful and assured the family that the party will stand with them in this period of pain.
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.
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