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Wike Tasks Media On Rule Of Law

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Activities in Government House, last week, began in a sad note following the revelation by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, that there is a plot by the Federal Government and her agents to frame him up.
Wike who raised this frightening alarm last Monday, alleged that Federal Government plans to plant illegal items on him in any of his trips outside the shores of Nigerian and have him embarrassed by foreign security agents.
” They plan to organise security to storm the hotel I am staying and say they found XYZ cash in my possession after which they would say I was arrested for currency trafficking or whatever offences outside the country”, he said.
Wike explained that the plan is similar to what was done to Late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
The Governor said that though he is not scared by the plot but wished to alert the nation and the world of the sinister machinations of the federal government.
Last Tuesday, Wike inaugurated the Rivers State Honours Advisory Committee. The committee is to nominate deserving men and women who have, through their contributions, made the state proud.
Chief Ferdy Anabraba is Chairman of the committee while Sir Chidi Adele is the Secretary.
Other members of the committee are Chief Onueze Okocha, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Ordu, Dr Abiye Sekibo , Dr Peter Medee, and Dr Ikechi Nwogu.
The Governor charged the committee to consider men and women, indigenes and non indigenes who have contributed immensely to the development of the state in various professions.
He noted that the award would be an annual event, stressing that the gesture would encourage people to project the state in enviable light through their talents.
The committee chairman thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in members and assured him that they would put in their best to deliver good result.
Another major event in Brick House was the visit last Tuesday by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
He regretted a situation where Nigeria answers Big Brother Africa but unable to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible election and institute basic governance process.
He emphasised that every profession has the responsibility to play a role in the development of the country.
The President of the body, Alhaji Muhammadu Zakari commended the Governor for rolling out projects that have stimulated the economy of the state.
He said ICAN is desirous of partnering the state on issues that concern the organisation’s core values and urged the Governor to promote ICAN’s Accountability Index among political leaders in the country
Wike also met with the United State Consul- General in Nigeria, Mr F John Bvay, in Government House, Port Harcourt last Tuesday.
He called on America to partner with Rivers State Government to develop the agric sector and pointed out that such initiative would enhance employment opportunities.
He said Rivers State Government has developed flexible land allocation scheme to agriculture investors.
The Governor also addressed the 2018 Annual Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) section on Legal Practice Conference in PortHarcourt.
He charged legal practitioners in the country to rise up and insist on the relevance of the amended Electoral Act 2010.
Similarly, the Governor called on media practitioners to rise up and defend Nigerians who are suffering untold hardship under the failed APC -led Federal Government.
He made the call when the management of the International Press Institute paid him courtesy visit in Government House.
He regretted that the media was focusing on the rich and abandoning the poor, adding that they should insist on the rule of law.
At a Solidarity Rally organised last Saturday by Rivers South East Senatorial District in Bori, Wike was endorsed for a second term in office because of the numerous developmental projects in the area and appointments to sons and daughters of the district.

 

Chris Oluoh

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DIRI’S DEFECTION TO APC STRATEGIC, VISIONARY MOVE, SAYS EX-PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S AIDE

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Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.

“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.

“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.

“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.

He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.

While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.

“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.

The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.

“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.

 

By:  Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Modu Sheriff Disowns Report Accusing Shettima Of Creating Boko Haram

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Former governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims that he accused Vice-President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram, describing the report as “false, malicious, and dangerous”.

A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”

But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.

“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.

Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.

“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.

The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.

“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.

“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.

Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.

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Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout

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The Labour Party’s candidate in the Anambra State governorship election, Mr George Moghalu, has alleged vote-buying in the just concluded poll.

Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.

He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.

“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.

“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.

The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.

Meanwhile, some international and local observers have expressed concern over reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.

Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.

She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.

that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.

“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.

“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?

“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.

He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.

The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.

“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,

Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.

He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.

 

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