Politics
Sack Magu Now-Wike
Government House activities last week took off on a serious note when Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, called on the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo to sack the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu for freezing the accounts of both Benue and Akwa Ibom State governments.
The Governor, at a press briefing in Government House, Port Harcourt last Thursday, noted that freezing the accounts of the two state governments is more grievous than the recent invasion of the National Assembly by the sacked Director-General of DSS, Lawan Daura.
“I am calling for the sack of Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu for overthrowing a tier of government. The mere fact that the two accounts have been reopened does not mean that a crime was not committed.
“When you freeze the account of the state government, you have overthrown that government. Without funds, a state cannot function. This means the shut-down of government business at Executive, Legislative and Judiciary in the affected state”, Wike said.
He said if the former D-G of DSS could be sacked for overthrowing just one arm of federal government, then the boss of EFCC should be prosecuted for overthrowing the two tiers of government in the affected two states.
The governor described the EFCC’s action as the worst coup against the constitution and the law-abiding people in the states.
“If you are sacking Lawan Daura for coup at the National Assembly, what will you do with a man who overthrew two state governments through two separate coups?, he asked, lamenting that APC-led Federal Government has enthroned a culture of impunity using security agencies to destroy democracy.
He said invasion of the National Assembly by operatives of DSS was a clear indication that the nation’s democracy is under threat as a result of the military-terrorist style of the present administration and urged well-meaning Nigerians to speak up to avoid truncating our democracy.
He said: “Just one week ago, they laid siege and locked the Benue State House of Assembly. To the chagrin of all Nigerians, they invaded the beacon of democracy at the Federal level”.
Wike congratulated members of the National Assembly especially the leadership for remaining resolute.
The sad news of the death of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) was a rude shock that affected Government House on Friday.
Wike, who received the news with rude shock led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to late Aguma family house at Ogbunabail in Port Harcourt.
He commiserated with the bereaved family for the loss and ordered that flags fly at half-mast for two days in honour of the legal luminary.
Prominent individuals and top government officials have been trooping to Government House to sign the condolence register.
The Attorney-General died Friday in a London Hospital.
Wile also commiserated with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon Seriake Dickson over the passage of his mother, Mrs Goldcoast Dickson.
He said that late Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson contributed positively to the development of the society and particularly raised worthy children like the Bayelsa State Governor.
Wike prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Chris Oluoh
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.
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