Politics
Wike, Duke, Ovia Woo Investors
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was among the 36 State governors who were in Abuja last weekend to receive President Muhammadu Buhari , who returned to the country after over three months in the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Last Sunday, the governor was represented at the 50th birthday of former House Leader, Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja.
Again, last Thursday, the governor alongside other governors attended a special meeting with the president to discuss the state of the nation and the economy.
However, it was the weeklong Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Lagos that took a huge chunk of time from the governor and other state officials, who used most part of the annual conference to showcase the business and economic potentials of Rivers State.
Former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke and veterian Banker Jim Ovia in one of the sessions at the NBA Conference spoke glowingly about business opportunities in Rivers State, as they urged investors to exploit the huge potentials that abound in the state. Speaking at the Special Session for Governors at the NBA conference through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Emma Aguma (SAN), Chief Wike observed that internal democracy within political parties will help strengthen and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
The governor listed gains made in the improvement of justice delivery and security, saying the situation has compelled many companies who left to return to doing business in Rivers State.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, last Wednesday, condemned the escape of a ritual suspect from the police net. In a statement, the deputy governor said the police and other law enforcement agencies should step up their game and ensure that the fellow is rearrested and brought to justice without delay.
Last Monday, the Chief of Staff, Engr Emeka Woke played host to Ikwerre Elders and Chiefs. He assured them that the government will continue to carry out community based projects.
He said, “the governor is the governor of Rivers State and he will reach out to all ethnic groups in the state. So far the governor has done exceptionally well”.
Also last Monday, the deputy governor restated the commitment of the Rivers State government to fight and eliminate polio. Dr Harry-Banigo said every effort was being done to strengthen the Primary Health Services, outreach services and all other services.
She commended the efforts of Rotary International to eradicate polio in the past 30 years through their financial support advocacies, campaigns and countless volunteer hours which according to the governor have helped to check polio worldwide.
Returning on last Friday back to the state, Chief Wike met with PDP Stakeholders in Abua/Odual. On Saturday he addressed party members from Okrika and Ogu/Bolo.
At the meeting he held with stakeholders last Saturday with those from Okrika and Ogu/Bolo, Chief Wike reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary despite last Thursday’s Appeal Court Judgement that went in favour of APC for the Rivers East Senatorial District.
He urged the people to be calm and always pursue their grievance in line with the law. In his part, Senator George Sekibo assured that PDP will bounce back.
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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