Politics
‘PDP’Il Take Over Imo, Presidency’
Former Zonal Vice Chairman of Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)and ex- Special Adviser to former Governor Ikedi Ohakim on Sanitation and Transport, Barrister Willie Amadi says his party will unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)in the State and at the federal levels in 2019 general elections.
Amadi who spoke with The Tide recently accused the APC of misleading Nigerians, stressing that PDP has learnt its lessons and is poised for a comeback that will unseat APC at federal and state levels come 2019
He regretted that the political situation in Nigeria was undergoing painful changes against expectations and loss of instant success as promised by the ruling APC, adding that the people want good governance translated to rapid economic growth or Direct Foreign Investment to stimulate the economy.
The Former Special Adviser explained that the people need good and affordable housing, infrastructural improvements, improved medical and educational system, and welfare of the work- force to encourage productivity and above all, food on the table of poor Nigerians.
According to him,” hunger does not know political affiliation or divide, adding that Nigerians do not expect magic from Buhari’s administration within two years.
”The campaign promises by a coalition of parties that was desperate to change the government of President Jonathan’s led PDP government had no surety to pay cost in case of default. The masses and voters did not realise that they were the surety for future failure as currently being experienced by the rich, middle class and the poor masses”, he said.
He expressed happiness that the internal crisis in PDP before now has normalised things and brought healthy situation among the members of the party.
According to him, ”the internal crisis has no doubt brought the best after the struggle for supremacy, adding that it sharpen and redefines the very existence of the party by dotting the Is and crossing the Ts. Without crises, new frontiers would not have been identified and as a result the party has produced a draft amended constitution which removed the pitfalls in the constitution exploited by a faction during the crises”.
He said the frontiers would further position the party for future challenges that may occur and preview future development in management and operations of the party, stating that it has made the party stronger, bonded those who are PDP in body and spirit.
Amadi suggested that the genuinely aggrieved members should be consoled, appreciated and brought back to the family because “politics is let us go and not let me go”.
Amadi said his plans to contest the aborted National Covention of the PDP in Port Harcourt last two years was to fight the deliberate imbalance foisted on Owerri Federal Constituency by the evil minds that denied the entire Owerri Municipal Council and Owerri West Local Government of any position.
He warned that for the PDP to take over from Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2019, its leaders and members should be sincere to the party and should call their lieutenants and foot soldiers to order and rapidly redress the areas of deliberate and obvious injustice.
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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