Politics
Chairmanship Flagbearer Pledges Human Capital Dev
Ahead of the June 16 local government elections in Rivers State, Obinna Anyanwu was last week at the flag-off of campaign in Etche Local Government Area handed over the flag as the chairmanship flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area by the state chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah.
Speaking at the programme held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, the chairmanship flag-bearer promised to place priority on human capital development if given mandate.
He also said: “I shall embark on town hall meetings with the various communities in Etche to enable me get first hand information and knowledge about the basic needs of the people with a view to giving them quality service delivery.”
Anyanwu said that he would embark on an aggressive campaign for the re-election of Governor Nyesom Wike come 2019.
He stressed the need to return the governor for his numerous infrastructural projects in the state.
“While I make human capital development top on my agenda, I will also give priority attention to the provision of essential amenities and infrastructure such as electricity and good drinking water, health, roads, education among others,” he said, adding that the security of the citizenry would be paramount as he would work hand in glove with security operatives to do the needful.
He said that PDP is the only active political party in the Etche and urged members to go back to their various units and wards and sensitise the people on the need to vote for the party so as to enjoy the benefits of democracy to the fullest.
Anyanwu further hinted that agriculture as the economic mainstay of the Etche people would be given a pride of place as he intends to do everything within limit of available resources to encourage the people, assuring that Etche would continue to remain as the food basket of the state and the nation at large.
Thanking Governor Wike, the PDP state chairman, Felix Obuah and the people of Etche for his ???????????? Anyanwu vowed to restore the dignity of the average Etche man and woman.
In his speech, the campaign Director-General, Etche Liberation Movement (FLM), Hon. Promise Nwankwo said the choice of Anyanwu as the PDP chairmanship flag-bearer in Etche will usher in total transformation to the area and urged the people to vote him enmasse on June 16.
Shedie Okpara
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.