Politics
Kudos As More Groups Endorse Wike
As ethnic groups in Rivers State and women continue to endorse the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for second term, opinion leaders and other residents in the state have commended the people “for speaking the truth and doing what is right”.
Speaking with The Tide last Thursday shortly after women in Rivers State called on the Governor to reconsider the people’s voice and re contest in 2019, a legal practitioner, Barrister Clifford Oparaodu said the experience of the past two to three years of leadership of Governor Wike was commendable and the people were happy, hence, the loudest request for his return in 2019.
Oparaodu who was one time caretaker committee chairman of the Port Harcourt City Council, said what the people of the state were witnessing was enough to ask Mr Project to return to the Bricks House in 2019.
He commended the people for reciprocating Wike’s good works, stating that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the people of the state are happy and have expressed their willingness to support him in 2019.
According to him,’’ what we are witnessing is about what to manifest in 2019, stressing that the people have promised not only to cast their votes for Wike and PDP but to protect their mandate in 2019’’.
Others who spoke to The Tide include market women, traders and other professionals who commended the Governor for his infrastructural development in the state, noting that the majority of the people were happy with him.
Some traders at Rumuwoji Market, Mrs. Celine Dike, Salome Nsiegbe and Mrs. Esther Loolo expressed happiness that the abandoned market was being constructed, adding that this will make women more busy instead of selling along the streets of the state capital.
They commended the Governor for his political will to award and commence construction on the market which has reached 40 per cent stage of completion.
According to them, “the rate which the contractor is going about the work at Rumuwoji Market, it may be completed by the end of the year as being promised”.
The Committee Chairman of Rumuwoji Market, Hon. Okechukwu Orlu expressed joy that Governor Wike had been able to live up to his words and promises, adding that this was amply reflected by the endorsement of various groups in the state including non-indigenes residing in the state, for the governor for second term.
According to him, majority of those who have endorsed Wike are not politicians, they are happy with PDP administration in the state. These are genuine expression’’.
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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